Question 1

What is the migration of monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

The migration of monarch butterflies is a long journey they take twice a year. They travel from one place to another to find warmer weather and food.

Question 2

Why do monarch butterflies migrate?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies migrate to find warmer temperatures and food during the winter. They can't stay in cold areas because it’s too hard for them to survive.

Question 3

Where do monarch butterflies start their migration?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies start their migration in places like Canada and the northern parts of the United States. They need to leave these places when it gets too cold.

Question 4

Where do monarch butterflies go during their migration?

Accepted Answer

They fly all the way to Mexico and some parts of California. These places have warmer weather that helps them survive the winter.

Question 5

How far do monarch butterflies travel during migration?

Accepted Answer

Monarch butterflies can travel around 3,000 miles during their migration. That's like flying across the country!

Question 6

How do monarch butterflies know where to go?

Accepted Answer

They use the sun and their instincts to find their way. It's like they have a built-in compass that guides them.

Question 7

Do all monarch butterflies make the journey?

Accepted Answer

Not all monarch butterflies make it. Only special ones called the 'super generation' live long enough to travel all the way to Mexico.

Question 8

What happens to monarch butterflies once they reach Mexico?

Accepted Answer

They rest and stay in the trees of the Mexican forests to keep warm. They spend the winter there until it's time to head back.

Question 9

How long does the migration take?

Accepted Answer

The journey can take several months. They start traveling in the fall and reach their destination before winter.

Question 10

What do monarch butterflies eat during the migration?

Accepted Answer

They drink nectar from flowers along the way. Nectar gives them energy to keep flying.

Question 11

How do monarch butterflies travel such long distances?

Accepted Answer

They use wind currents to help them glide and save energy. This way, they don’t have to flap their wings all the time.

Question 12

What challenges do monarch butterflies face during migration?

Accepted Answer

They can face bad weather, loss of food and resting spots, and even predators. These challenges make the journey tough.

Question 13

What is the 'super generation' of monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

The 'super generation' is a group of monarchs that live longer and travel farther than others. They are the ones that make the full migration trip.

Question 14

When do the monarch butterflies return north?

Accepted Answer

They start the journey back north in the spring when the weather warms up. They head back to lay eggs and start new generations.

Question 15

Why is the migration of monarch butterflies important?

Accepted Answer

Their migration helps spread pollination, which helps flowers and plants grow. Monarchs also show scientists the health of our environment.

Question 16

How can people help protect monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

People can help by planting milkweed and flowers that monarchs like. This gives them food and places to lay their eggs.

Question 17

What do monarch butterflies look like?

Accepted Answer

They are orange with black and white patterns on their wings. This bright color helps protect them by warning predators that they are not tasty.

Question 18

Do monarch butterflies migrate at night?

Accepted Answer

No, they do not usually fly at night. They rest and find safe places to spend the night until the sun comes up.

Question 19

Why can’t monarch butterflies just stay in one place all year?

Accepted Answer

Cold weather and lack of food make it hard for them to survive. They need to move to find better conditions to live.

Question 20

What’s special about the forest in Mexico for monarch butterflies?

Accepted Answer

The forest provides a safe place with the right temperature for them. It helps them survive until it's time to go back north.

The Migration of Monarch Butterflies - 20 FAQs Explained Simply