Question 1

What is a monarch butterfly?

Accepted Answer

A monarch butterfly is a type of insect with bright orange and black wings. They are famous for the long journeys they make every year.

Question 2

Where do monarch butterflies live?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies can be found in North and South America. During the summer, they live in places like the United States and Canada.

Question 3

What is migration?

Accepted Answer

Migration is when animals travel from one place to another. Monarch butterflies migrate to find warmer places to spend the winter.

Question 4

Why do monarch butterflies migrate?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies migrate because they can't survive the cold winter. They fly to warmer places to stay alive.

Question 5

Where do monarch butterflies go in the winter?

Accepted Answer

In the winter, monarch butterflies travel to places like Mexico and California. These places are warmer and safe for them.

Question 6

How far do monarch butterflies fly when they migrate?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies can fly as far as 3,000 miles during their migration. That's the same distance as driving across the country!

Question 7

How do monarch butterflies know where to go?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies use the sun to help them find their way. They have a special sense that helps them know the direction.

Question 8

What do monarch butterflies eat?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies drink nectar, which is a sweet juice from flowers. Their favorite flower is milkweed.

Question 9

Why is milkweed important for monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

Milkweed is important because it's the only plant where monarchs lay their eggs. The caterpillars eat the milkweed leaves to grow big and strong.

Question 10

How long does a monarch butterfly live?

Accepted Answer

Most monarch butterflies live for a few weeks. But the ones that migrate can live up to eight months!

Question 11

What happens to monarch butterflies after they migrate?

Accepted Answer

After migrating, monarch butterflies find a safe place to rest and wait for spring. Then, they start the journey back to where they came from.

Question 12

Do all monarch butterflies make the whole trip back?

Accepted Answer

No, not all monarch butterflies make the whole trip back. Many of them lay eggs along the way, and their baby butterflies continue the journey.

Question 13

What are baby monarch butterflies called?

Accepted Answer

Baby monarch butterflies are called caterpillars. They hatch from eggs and eat a lot before turning into butterflies.

Question 14

How do monarch caterpillars become butterflies?

Accepted Answer

Monarch caterpillars turn into a chrysalis, which is like a little case. Inside, they change and come out as beautiful butterflies.

Question 15

Can monarchs fly during rainy days?

Accepted Answer

No, monarch butterflies prefer not to fly when it rains because their wings can get wet and heavy. They wait for dry days to fly.

Question 16

What dangers do monarch butterflies face?

Accepted Answer

Monarchs face dangers from weather changes, and fewer milkweed plants. They also have predators like birds and a bug called the tachinid fly.

Question 17

How can we help protect monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

We can help monarch butterflies by planting milkweed and other flowers. This gives them places to eat and lay their eggs.

Question 18

Why are monarch butterflies important?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies are important because they help pollinate flowers. They also show us when nature is doing well or needs help.

Question 19

Can monarch butterflies see colors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, monarch butterflies can see colors! They use colors to find flowers with nectar and to avoid predators.

Question 20

Are monarch butterflies the only migrating insects?

Accepted Answer

No, monarch butterflies are not the only migrating insects, but they're one of the most well-known because of their long journeys. Other insects, like some dragonflies, also migrate.

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