Question 1

What is a monarch butterfly?

Accepted Answer

A monarch butterfly is a type of butterfly that is known for its beautiful orange, black, and white wings. They are famous for their long migrations.

Question 2

Where do monarch butterflies come from?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies start their life as an egg laid on a milkweed plant. They are found in North America and migrate to places like Mexico and California for the winter.

Question 3

What is the lifecycle of a monarch butterfly?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies go through four stages: egg, caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa), and adult butterfly. This entire process is called metamorphosis.

Question 4

How long does a monarch butterfly live?

Accepted Answer

Most monarch butterflies live for about 2 to 6 weeks. However, the ones that migrate to warmer places can live up to 8 months.

Question 5

What do monarch caterpillars eat?

Accepted Answer

Monarch caterpillars eat the leaves of milkweed plants. This is the only plant they eat and it helps them grow big and strong.

Question 6

Why are milkweed plants important for monarchs?

Accepted Answer

Milkweed plants are crucial because they are the only food source for monarch caterpillars. Without these plants, the caterpillars wouldn't survive.

Question 7

What happens inside a chrysalis?

Accepted Answer

Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. Its body changes completely, developing wings, antennae, and new colors.

Question 8

How does a monarch butterfly start its journey?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies are born in places like Canada and the United States, and they migrate south to warmer areas in the winter. They travel thousands of miles!

Question 9

Why do monarch butterflies migrate?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies migrate to avoid the cold winter, which they cannot survive. They travel to warmer places where they can find food and shelter.

Question 10

How do monarch butterflies know where to go?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies use the sun as a guide to find their way during migration. They also have a special sense that helps them stay on track.

Question 11

What do adult monarch butterflies eat?

Accepted Answer

Adult monarch butterflies drink nectar from flowers. This sweet liquid gives them energy to fly and continue their journey.

Question 12

How can we help monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

We can help monarch butterflies by planting milkweed and nectar-rich flowers. Keeping gardens pesticide-free is also important to protect them.

Question 13

What colors do monarch butterflies have?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies have bright orange wings with black and white spots. These colors help warn predators that they are not good to eat.

Question 14

Are monarch butterflies in danger?

Accepted Answer

Yes, monarch butterflies are facing challenges like habitat loss and climate change. These problems are causing their populations to decrease.

Question 15

What is metamorphosis?

Accepted Answer

Metamorphosis is the process of changing form. Monarch butterflies go through metamorphosis, changing from an egg to a caterpillar, then a chrysalis, and finally an adult butterfly.

Question 16

What do monarch eggs look like?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterfly eggs are tiny and creamy white. They are usually laid on the underside of milkweed leaves.

Question 17

What happens after a monarch caterpillar hatches?

Accepted Answer

After hatching, the tiny caterpillar eats its eggshell first. Then, it starts munching on milkweed leaves to grow bigger.

Question 18

How far do monarch butterflies travel?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies can travel thousands of miles when they migrate. Some fly all the way from Canada and the northern United States to Mexico.

Question 19

What happens if a monarch butterfly doesn't migrate?

Accepted Answer

If a monarch butterfly doesn't migrate, it might not survive the cold winter. This is why migration is very important for them.

Question 20

Do all monarch butterflies migrate?

Accepted Answer

Not all monarch butterflies migrate. Only those in areas with cold winters travel long distances, while others stay where it is warm all year round.

The Lifecycle of Monarch Butterflies - 20 FAQs Explained Simply