Monarch butterflies are worth saving
Morgan County Master Gardener
Habits of the monarch butterfly (danaus plexippus) migration are renowned for their remarkable patterns across North America. They are easily recognizable by their orange wings laced with black lines and bordered with white dots.
Each year these insects undertake extensive journeys, navigating thousands of miles between their breeding and overwintering grounds. The journey begins during late summer and early fall southward from their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to the Tran-Mexican Volcanic Belt. This is approximately a 3,000-mile journey. This region provides them with the necessary microclimate and conditions crucial for their survival during the cold winter months. They huddle together on oyamel fir trees to wait out the winter before starting the journey back to their breeding grounds. This process may repeat itself four or five generations before the monarch’s reach their destination.
There are several factors influencing migration habits. Monarchs are sensitive to signals, such as day length and temperature changes. Also, favorable weather con ditions aid in successful migration, while adverse conditions, such as storms or cold fronts, can dis rupt their journey. The need to find milkweed plants for egg-laying influences the time and direction of the migration. Milkweed (asclepius sp.) is essential for reproduction of the monarch population.
Monarchs are a natural phenomenon and are crucial for preserving biodiversity and maintaining the ecological integrity of our planet. The decline in monarch population also indicates the health of other pollinator populations which directly impact our food production. Future generations would be missing an incredible part of nature if the monarch population disappears.
The population of the monarch has declined significantly in the last decade. This has caused much concern from scientists who study pollinators. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was petitioned for monarch protection under the Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, they announced that monarch protection was “warranted but precluded” and postponed indefinitely. There are no safeguards for the species in the meantime. There is a need to protect this marvel of nature that is becoming threatened by habitation loss, climate change, pesticide use and rainforest depletion. So, we ask ourselves what we cane do to help prevent this catastrophe. Plant milkweed – this is the only source of food for the monarch. Monarchs lay their eggs on the leaves of the milkweed and the caterpillars eat the leaves as a food source. In Alabama, the species that grow best are swamp milkweed, common milkweed and butterfly weeds. For more information on milkweed visit aces.edu.
Another important way is to stop spraying dangerous herbicides and pesticides. It’s important to read the labels of products care-fully to determine how the chemical will affect butterflies and other pollinators in your garden. “No mow” zones are becoming popular along roadsides and ditches. Lastly, there are so many factors that affect the monarch population, but there is one definite way to help protect this beautiful creature. We cannot control the weather, deforestation or mining, but we can create a habitat suitable for our pollinators. Plant native milkweed and other nectar-rich plants in a sunny location in your yard. Butterflies love sunshine. Also, have a water source, some protection and shelter, such as soft bushes, planted around the garden. Make sure your garden is not in a direct wind path; butterflies prefer little to no wind. You should plant at least six milkweed plants for the monarch caterpillars so they won’t run out of food. Do not use chemicals or you will defeat your purpose.
Any of our talented Master Gardeners can help with planning your butterfly garden or visit www. aces.edu for tips. We always have beautiful pollinator plants at our annual plant sales. Happy gardening!
