What helps the butterflies guide their trip back?

Tactile (touch) receptors help the butterfly position itself relative to plants and the ground – and to other butterflies when they are tightly clustered at overwintering sites.

What is OE parasite?

Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) is a debilitating protozoan parasite that infects monarchs. When dormant spores are scattered onto eggs or milkweed leaves by infected adults, monarch larvae consume the spores, and these parasites then replicate inside the larvae and pupae.

Are milkweeds invasive?

A few tips for purchasing and planting milkweed Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the source of the plant’s bad reputation—it’s quite invasive. These two alternatives do not spread by rhizomes and are employed by monarchs just as often as the common milkweed.”

Are milkweeds poisonous?

Leaves or other above-ground parts of the plant are poisonous. They contain several glucosidic substances called cardenolides that are toxic. Milkweed may cause losses at any time, but it is most dangerous during the active growing season. Several species of milkweed are poisonous to range animals.

What is the lifespan of a monarch butterfly?

2 to 6 weeks
Monarch butterflies typically live from 2 to 6 weeks except for the last generation of the year, which can live up to 8 to 9 months.

Where do monarch butterflies go in winter?

Monarch butterflies in North America migrate from the colder northern regions to overwinter in California and Mexico, with some of the butterflies travelling thousands of kilometres! As the temperature warms, they return north to reproduce.

What Causes Black Death in monarchs?

Monarch caterpillars often turn black or darkish in color when they are sick with bacterial infections. This is often referred to as ‘black death. ‘ There are a number of other bacterial infections or viruses that monarchs can get as well.

What kills monarch chrysalis?

Predators such as spiders and fire ants kill and eat monarch eggs and caterpillars. Some birds and wasps feed on adult butterflies. These predators are easy to see, but monarchs also suffer attacks from parasites, organisms that live inside the monarchs’ bodies.

What happens if you touch milkweed?

All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion in small amounts, and seizures, heart rhythm changes, respiratory paralysis, and even death in large amounts. Milkweed can also irritate the skin and eyes if touched.

Is it OK to touch milkweed?

Where do monarch caterpillars go at night?

When getting ready for pupation, the full-grown caterpillars usually wander off the plant some distance to find a place to make their chrysalis. During the feeding and growth stage, they just remain under leaves at night.