12 Fun Facts To Know About Monarch Butterflies
Butterflies are one of the most exciting bugs in the world. There are tons of varieties and species of butterflies, and one of them is the monarch butterfly. The monarch butterfly is one of the most distinct and recognized species of butterflies in the world. To know more about these little beings, here are some fun and amazing facts about them.
The monarch butterfly’s life cycle is unique.
Among other bugs, particularly butterflies, the monarch butterfly has a unique life cycle. Their life begins from a female butterfly that secretes a glue-like substance and uses it to attach the eggs in a leaf.
Most female monarch butterflies lay their eggs individually on milkweed leaves. The bearing butterfly mother can produce an average number of 300-500 eggs in just a month. This is only one of the few fantastic monarch butterfly facts.
Monarch caterpillars inherit more unique features than monarch butterflies.
You will know that a caterpillar is a monarch caterpillar during its growing stage because of its distinct features. The larva has a very dominant pattern that shows a combination of white, black, and yellow-green. Thus, it is easy to recognize a monarch caterpillar when you see one.
The pupa stage of the monarch butterfly is called monarch chrysalis.
When the monarch caterpillar has grown enough to enter the pupa stage, they will eventually leave the milkweed plant that they have grown. The pupate stage happens in a different setting, and the pupa becomes light green.
They hatch from the egg into larvae.
Butterflies, in general, have to go through a life cycle where they become caterpillars. Monarch butterflies are different; instead of becoming a caterpillar, they form into a larva. However, similar to other butterflies, the larva also spends time eating and growing during this stage.
You can determine the gender of the butterfly during the monarch chrysalis.
Although you can determine a monarch butterfly’s gender even during their pupa stage, or the monarch chrysalis, one can also find it hard to tell if it’s a female or a male. However, you will know if the butterfly will turn out as a female butterfly if there is a tiny line on their abdominal pattern. If it’s a male, the lines do not exist.
Monarch caterpillars will eat a bunch of food suitable for two weeks.
Before they enter the monarch chrysalis stage, the caterpillar will prepare for it by eating and stuffing itself with food. The food intake that they usually eat when they are still a larva will be adequate for two weeks. Once the monarch butterfly finishes their metamorphosis, they will become fully-developed butterflies. This happens typically after two weeks in the pupa.
Monarch butterflies do not bite.
One of the best things about monarch butterflies is they can’t hurt anyone. They are not into biting their predators as well. However, they can harm differently. The monarch butterfly has a long tongue called a proboscis.
The proboscis is known to be a way of how monarch butterflies suck nectar from flowers. It can be similar to a foldable garden hose that can curl up when it is not used. The tongue hides in the lower lip of the monarch butterfly.
Monarch butterflies have a distinct body and wing features.
Due to the ongoing evolution, monarch butterflies have also inherited new and distinct traits. Many factors cause features. Among these traits are genetic changes, migratory influence, and their behavior towards breeding.
The symbol of a monarch butterfly tells personal and internal change.
When it comes to life reflection, the monarch butterfly resembles change personally and internally. The perspective of this is based on how people see their place in the world and how content they are in their life here on Earth. Sometimes, the monarch butterfly also symbolizes reincarnation.
In Mexico, monarch butterflies represent a deeper meaning.
In Mexico, monarch butterflies can be seen rampantly during November 1st and 2nd. During this day, Mexicans celebrate the Dead of the Dead, most commonly known as the el Dia de Los Muertos. With that, monarch butterflies have become a huge part of their tradition, especially when it comes to returning the spirits of their dearly departed ones.
Monarch butterflies live mostly in South, Central, and North America.
Monarch butterflies are fond of warm weather and climate. One of the facts of milkweed which many people might don’t know, is the natural habitat of the larva. Sometimes, they can also be seen in India, Australia, and Hawaii.
Monarch butterflies who don’t migrate have smaller bodies compared to those migratory monarch butterflies.
The non-migratory butterflies are most found in Hawaii, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Florida. However, the non-migratory monarch butterflies who stay in western North America have large wings but features a small body. The reason for this might be the associations of glide flighting.
In A Nutshell
Monarch butterflies are among the most cold-blooded, harmless winged insects in the world. Now that you know all the facts about them, you will have more knowledge of how they grow, live, and where they are most rampant in number.
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