Monarch Butterflies

EGG

LARVA

CHRYSALIS

The Monarch Butterfly~

ADULT

Fun FactsThe Monarch Caterpillar is a voracious eater and can eat an entire Milkweed leaf in less than five minutes!A male Monarch has a black spot on the inside surface of its hindwing while the female Monarch will not.They can see the UV light that even humans cannot!

MetamorphisisFirst Stage: The Egg Monarch butterfly eggs are very small, round, and somtimes ribbed. If you look close enough, you may even see the caterpillar growing inside.Second Stage: The Larva Butterfly larva id what we call caterpillars! Caterpillars do not stay in this stage for very long, and all they do is eat.Third Stage: Chrysalis As soon as the caterpillar is done growing, they form into a

PredatorsEven though Monarch butterflies tend to have short lifespans, they still manage to become food for a number of predators. In the beginning stages, Monarch eggs and larva may be eaten by small insects such as spiders, wasps, mites, and ants. Although their bright orange and black colors are meant to warn others of their noxious taste, they are still consumed by mice, voles, and several bird species.

chrysalis, commonly known as a cacoon. From the outside, the caterpillar appears to be resting, but inside the caterpillar is rapdly changing.Fourth and Final Stage: Adult When the caterpillar has transformed and becoma a beautiful butterfly, it then emmerges from the chrysalis. Breaking out of the cacoon takes a lot of energy, so once the butterfly has rested it will pump blood into its wings. Then, they are able to flap their wings and fly away!

Press Play to hear why this Glogster about the King of Butterflies is so fantastic!

Sound of Monarch Caterpillar eating!

Other Great Resources!1. Learn About Nature: The King of Butterflies2. The Monarch Butterfly on Kidzone3. Monarch Butterfly Facts for Kids