Urban Survival Stories: The Amazing Monarch Butterfly
- Christine Maher
- Jul 10, 2021
- 1 min read
Did you know that monarchs start their lives as little, squirmy caterpillars, and grow into beautiful butterflies? The most amazing thing about monarchs is the enormous migration
they undertake each year. These tiny insects fly thousands of miles (yep -- that was thousands!) all the way from Canada and North America to Mexico in order to survive the winter, then return north once again to lay their eggs.
Monarchs only lay their eggs on a single type of plant: the milkweed plant. Without the milkweed plant, baby caterpillars would not have what they need to grow and become butterflies!
Watch this video to see their transformation!
Monarchs Need Our Help!
Sadly, monarch butterflies are rapidly disappearing. Farming and expansion of cities have reduced their access to food. It has been harder and harder for monarchs to find flowering plants they need for nutrition and the all-important milkweed plants, which are the only plants able to sustain baby caterpillars.
Can Cities Save the Monarch?
Scientists say cities can help because monarchs can survive on very small patches of habitat, which is a scientific term for an animal’s natural home. They estimate that these efforts could help make up for a large 15-20% of the lost habitat butterflies have experienced due to farming and urban sprawl.
You Can Help
Luckily, city dwellers are stepping up to help! To help save the monarch, encourage your city and school to plant common milkweed and other butterfly-friendly plants. Or you can plant some in front of your own home!
See this article and video about efforts by city dwellers to help monarchs!
By Christine Maher
Sources: National Geographic Kids; WTTW Chicago
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