MONARCH BUTTERFLY

The MONARCH BUTTERFLY (Danaus plexippus) is native to North and South America. Monarchs belong to the Family Nymphalidae and Subfamily Danainae which includes milkweed butterflies. Their Genus is Danaus and Species is plexippus.

Monarch caterpillars (larvae) are specialist herbivores, meaning they feed on specialized plants. Can you think of other animals that are herbivores? 

Monarch caterpillars eat only plants in the milkweed family (Asclepiadacea). They gain an important toxin from milkweed that protects them from many predators (caterpillars eating Asclepias curassavica - right). Most birds know that eating monarchs will make them sick so they steer clear. However, there are a few types (species) of birds that can tolerate the toxin in monarch butterflies and their caterpillars. Though monarchs are not safe from all predators. Their larvae and chrysalides (pupae) can be parasitized by parasitoides, most commonly the tachinid fly or parasitic wasp. Monarchs can also be infected with Ophryocystis elektroscirrha or OE which is a protozoan spread by infected adult monarchs through contact. Although we might prefer that all monarch caterpillars become healthy butterflies, parasites are a natural part of maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

(source:google/http://www.kidsgrowingstrong.org)