Monarch butterflies scientifically known as Danaus Plexippus lay their eggs on milkweed on which their larvae and clearwing butterflies feed on. Monarch butterflies belong to the most common and largest family of butterflies with more than 6,000 species in the family, Nymphalidae. This species is most commonly found in North America and is known as a pollinator species. Pollinator species are responsible for fertilization of the ovum which is done when the pollinator moves pollen grains from the anther (male) to the stigma (female) of a flower. The wings of the Monarch butterfly are iconic with black, orange, and white ‘polka dot-like shapes.’ The average lifespan of these species of butterflies is 6-8 months with a wingspan ranging from 3.5-4.1 inches. These species are commonly known for their seasonal migration, where millions of Monarch butterflies migrate during the winters from colder regions such as Canada to warmer regions; California and Mexico.
Habitat loss and deforestation of the wintering forests in Mexico disturbs the annual migration which has caused the population of monarch butterflies to decline tremendously. This species of butterfly relies on milkweed to lay their eggs and provide food to caterpillars. However, with the increase in pesticides used to grow these plants and the increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere it is said to make milkweed very toxic for monarch butterflies.
As responsible global citizens of the world, it is necessary for us to take immediate action in order to prevent monarch butterflies from being registered as extinct. Spreading awareness about these species on the cause of their population decline and endangerments like climate change and loss of habitat. The WWF is working to conserve these species' habitat. You can plant milkweeds such as swamp milkweed, butterfly milkweed, and common milkweed in common places native for monarch butterflies to lay eggs and caterpillars to eat. And donating to wildlife sanctuaries in Mexico in order to keep them working during the pandemic will also help in ensuring that the population does not decline further.
Article by Annika Singhal and art by Aanya Chowbey
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