Question 1

What are monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies are big, bright orange and black butterflies. They are famous for their long-distance travel every year.

Question 2

Why are they called monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

They are named 'monarch' because their bright color and majestic flight reminded people of a king or queen.

Question 3

Where do monarch butterflies live?

Accepted Answer

In the summer, they live in places like the United States and Canada. In the winter, they travel to warmer places, like Mexico and California.

Question 4

What do monarch butterflies eat?

Accepted Answer

Monarch caterpillars eat milkweed plants. Adult monarchs drink nectar from flowers, which gives them energy.

Question 5

Why do monarch butterflies migrate?

Accepted Answer

They migrate to escape the cold winter. If they stayed in cold places, they wouldn't survive because it's too cold for them.

Question 6

How far do monarch butterflies travel?

Accepted Answer

Some monarch butterflies travel as far as 3,000 miles! That's like driving all the way across the USA.

Question 7

How do monarch butterflies know where to go?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies use the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field to find their way. Even though they have never been to their destination before, they still know where to go.

Question 8

How long does it take for monarchs to migrate?

Accepted Answer

The migration can take several weeks. They fly a little bit every day until they reach their winter home.

Question 9

Do monarch butterflies travel alone or in groups?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies travel in groups for safety and warmth. When they rest, they gather in trees and make them look orange!

Question 10

What happens when monarchs reach their winter home?

Accepted Answer

When they get to their winter home, they rest and gather in large groups on trees. This helps them stay warm.

Question 11

Can monarch butterflies hurt you?

Accepted Answer

No, monarch butterflies can't hurt you. They are safe to be around, and they don't bite or sting.

Question 12

How long do monarch butterflies live?

Accepted Answer

Most monarchs live for a few weeks, but the ones that migrate can live up to 8 months. This gives them enough time to make the long journey and get back.

Question 13

Why are milkweed plants important for monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

Milkweed plants are where monarch butterflies lay their eggs. The caterpillars feed on them after they hatch.

Question 14

What colors are monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies are mostly orange with black and white spots and lines. Their bright colors warn predators that they taste bad.

Question 15

Are monarch butterflies endangered?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies aren't officially endangered but they're in trouble. Their numbers have gone down because of things like fewer milkweed plants and changes to their habitats.

Question 16

How can I help monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

You can help monarch butterflies by planting milkweed and other flowers that they like. This gives them food and a place to lay their eggs.

Question 17

Do monarch butterflies have natural enemies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they do. Birds and insects sometimes eat them, but their bright colors warn these predators that they taste bad.

Question 18

What is the monarch butterfly lifecycle?

Accepted Answer

The lifecycle of a monarch butterfly includes four stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis (pupa), and adult butterfly. Each stage looks different and has different needs.

Question 19

Do all butterflies migrate?

Accepted Answer

No, not all butterflies migrate. Monarch butterflies are one of the few kinds that make long journeys when the weather changes.

Question 20

Why do monarchs rest on trees during migration?

Accepted Answer

Monarchs rest on trees to gather warmth and conserve energy. Resting in groups on trees helps protect them from the cold and wind.

The Life and Migration of Monarch Butterflies - 20 FAQs Explained Simply