Question 1

What is the journey of the monarch butterfly?

Accepted Answer

The journey of the monarch butterfly is a long trip they take every year. They travel from places where it's cold to warmer places so they can survive the winter.

Question 2

Where do monarch butterflies start their journey?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies start their journey in places like Canada and the northern United States. These places get too cold for them in the winter.

Question 3

Where do monarch butterflies go during their journey?

Accepted Answer

They go to warmer places like Mexico and the southern United States. In Mexico, they stay in the forests until it's warm enough to go back.

Question 4

How far do monarch butterflies travel?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies can travel around 3,000 miles. That's as far as driving from New York to California!

Question 5

Why do monarch butterflies migrate?

Accepted Answer

They migrate to find warmer weather. During the cold months, it's too chilly for them to survive in northern places.

Question 6

How do monarch butterflies know where to go?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies use the sun to help them find their way. Even though they've never been to their destination, they are born knowing how to get there.

Question 7

Do all monarch butterflies make it to Mexico?

Accepted Answer

No, not all monarch butterflies make it to Mexico. Some may not survive the long journey because of bad weather, predators, or not finding enough food.

Question 8

What do monarch butterflies eat on their journey?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies sip nectar from flowers. This is their main source of food, and it gives them the energy they need to keep flying.

Question 9

How long does the journey take?

Accepted Answer

The journey can take up to two months. They fly during the day and rest at night when it’s cooler.

Question 10

Do monarch butterflies travel alone?

Accepted Answer

No, they don't travel alone. Lots of monarch butterflies make the journey together at the same time.

Question 11

How many generations of monarchs does it take to complete the round trip?

Accepted Answer

It takes about four generations of monarchs to complete the round trip. The first few generations live for about a month, but the last generation can live up to eight months to make the journey back.

Question 12

What do monarch butterflies do once they reach Mexico?

Accepted Answer

Once they reach Mexico, they rest and spend the winter in the forest. They hang from trees and stay together to keep warm.

Question 13

Why are trees important for monarch butterflies in Mexico?

Accepted Answer

The trees provide a safe place for monarchs to rest. They protect the butterflies from rain, wind, and cold temperatures.

Question 14

Can people help monarch butterflies on their journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, people can help by planting flowers that provide nectar and by avoiding pesticides that can harm the butterflies. This makes it easier for them to find food on their long trip.

Question 15

What dangers do monarch butterflies face during their journey?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies face dangers like bad weather, predators, and lack of food. These challenges make the journey very tough for them.

Question 16

Why is the monarch journey special?

Accepted Answer

It's special because monarch butterflies are one of the few insects that travel such a long distance. Their journey is one of nature's great mysteries and wonders.

Question 17

How can you recognize a monarch butterfly?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies have bright orange wings with black lines and tiny white spots. These colors make them easy to spot and help warn predators that they don't taste good.

Question 18

What happens when it’s time for monarch butterflies to return north?

Accepted Answer

When it’s warm enough, the monarchs begin their journey back north. They lay eggs along the way to start the next generation because they won't make it all the way back themselves.

Question 19

What do baby monarchs look like?

Accepted Answer

Baby monarchs start as tiny, eggs that hatch into caterpillars. These caterpillars are striped in yellow, black, and white.

Question 20

How do monarch caterpillars turn into butterflies?

Accepted Answer

Monarch caterpillars turn into butterflies by making a special shell called a chrysalis. After about 10 days, they come out of the chrysalis as adults with beautiful wings.

The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly - 20 FAQs Explained Simply