The Boreal Forest

Amazing Monarch Butterfly
By Manisha Kumar

One of the easiest recognizable of all species is the stunning Monarch Butterfly. The beautiful black, gold, orange, and yellow markings make it simple to spot in any location. They are sometimes called "milkweed" butterflies because milkweed is used to feed their larvae. These wonderful creatures evolve into the beautiful butterflies everyone recognizes, knows, and admires. These Monarchs are truly fascinating creatures and are used in a variety of artwork.

Metamorphosis - Eggs

The adult female finds the milkweed leaves and lays their eggs underneath these leaves. The eggs hatch within the next twelve days, and the larvae begins to feed on these conveniently located milkweed leaves. In about two weeks they develop into multi-colored caterpillars that are approximately two inches in length.

Soon, the caterpillars attach themselves to a convenient branch, release their outer skin, and begin a transformation into a chrysalis. It takes a few hours for this process to complete, and the result is a waxy, green-jade colored pupa hanging from the branch.

Concealed in its private home, the caterpillar completes the transformation into the adult butterfly in approximately two weeks. The butterfly then emerges and begins to dry and inflate the wings with blood stored in the body. The wings stiffen and the butterfly can now fly.

Defense

Even though these creatures are quite beautiful, they are poisonous if eaten. This is because of the toxins that they consumed from the milkweed plant. Whether they are a caterpillar or fully grown butterfly, the toxins they have ingested is poisonous to their natural predators. Their bright color helps advertise their lethal nature and help protect from enemies.

Migration

One of the most anticipated events is the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly from it migration to the South prior to winter, and their return North in the summer months. Many people all over the country look forward to the first sightings of this stunning creature during their migrations.

Attracting Adult Monarchs

Monarch butterflies love the sweet nectars of many plants, but the milkweed plants is certainly their favorite. They like bright, open, sunny areas, and a variety of sweet plants such as daylilies, daisies, roses, verbena, coneflowers, and butterfly plants for feeding. To create a butterfly habitat, they need a shelter from high winds and severe weather, but typically will not use the decorative butterfly houses available in many nature stores.

Monarch Art

It is fashionable for these beautiful butterflies to be collected, and framed in a piece of artwork. Typically, the ones used in art are raised in butterfly farms in warmer climates, and provide a source of income for the locals. They are tenderly mounted in a frame, a styrene case, or airtight acrylic cube. This allows these beautiful creatures to be displayed in a home or office setting. A framed butterfly is a great gift for people of all ages.

The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most recognized of all species of butterflies. Their metamorphosis from larvae, caterpillar, and chrysalis, to adult butterfly is a source of wonder for young and old alike.

About the Author:
The monarch butterfly is a source of joy to all nature lovers. Author explains the various stages of metamorphosis in these amazing creatures.