Here are some delightful and fun facts about Monarch butterflies:
1. Fashion Forward
Monarch butterflies can’t see the full spectrum of their own bright orange wings! They view them as more of a yellow-green color.
2. Migratory Marvels
Some Monarchs travel up to 3,000 miles during migration. That’s a long trip for such tiny wings!
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By Johnny Butterflyseed
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3. Sun Navigation
Monarchs use the sun as a compass! They even have built-in time compensators to account for the sun’s movement.
4. Taste Buds on Feet
Monarchs taste with their feet! By standing on leaves, they can detect whether it’s a suitable place to lay eggs.
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5. Doppelgangers
The Viceroy butterfly mimics the Monarch’s appearance to benefit from the “yuck” factor predators associate with the Monarch’s taste.
6. Dance of Love
Male Monarchs sometimes perform a mid-air dance to woo a female, showing off their agile flying skills.
7. Living Thermometers
On a cool morning, if you find a Monarch butterfly clamped onto a flower or plant, it’s likely “recharging.” They need the sun’s warmth to fly, as their flight muscles must be at least 55°F to function.
8. Milkweed Connoisseurs
While Monarch caterpillars primarily eat milkweed, they can be picky about the type! There are over 100 species of milkweed, but Monarchs have their favorites.
Milkweed Seeds
Seeds for growing plants in the Milkweed genus (Asclepias); required for all Milkweed butterflies, like the Monarch and Queen.
9. Life in Fast-Forward
Monarch butterflies live only 2-6 weeks as adults, but the generation that migrates lives up to 8 months! Talk about the golden generation.
10. Butterfly Spa
After emerging from their chrysalis, Monarchs hang upside down to pump fluid into their wings. It’s like their version of a spa day before their first flight!
I hope these brought a smile to your face! Monarch butterflies are truly fascinating creatures with plenty of quirks to learn about… one day at a time!
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Save the monarchs!
Johnny Butterflyseed and his fairy friend, Raven Silverwing, embark on a mission to save the rapidly disappearing butterflies. They enlist the help of Queen Venus Goldwing and her kingdom of monarchs to educate and inspire kids to become butterfly farmers. At first, Johnny faces his own internal struggle with self-doubt and fear in his ability to make a difference, but then soon develops a mindset that allows him to not only get started, but also make progress one day at a time. Through challenge after challenge, Johnny learns that he is not alone in his mission and that there are many people who want to help. Together, Johnny, Raven, and Queen Venus educate thousands of children on becoming butterfly farmers.