Why do Monarch Butterflies Love Milkweed?
Have you ever spotted a striking orange and black butterfly fluttering through your garden? That was likely a monarch butterfly! Monarchs aren’t just beautiful to look at—they’re also part of one of nature’s most fascinating insect-plant relationships.
Milkweed, the monarch butterfly’s favorite plant, is vital to their life cycle. But why do monarch butterflies love milkweed so much? This No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode will uncover the special connection between monarchs and milkweed that helps these butterflies thrive.
Monarch Butterfly Nature Study
Monarchs rely on milkweed for nourishment and as the perfect nursery for their young. These plants, with their tall, sturdy stems and clusters of colorful flowers, provide food and protection for monarch caterpillars, ensuring their survival. From eggs laid under milkweed leaves to caterpillars munching on the leaves, the relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed is intricate and essential.
Consider asking your family these questions after listening to the episode!
- What color are monarch butterflies?
- On what part of the milkweed plant do monarch butterflies lay their eggs?
- Why is the milkweed plant called “milkweed”?
- What do monarch caterpillars eat as their first meal after hatching?
- What chemical in milkweed helps protect monarchs from predators?
- How do monarch butterflies benefit from milkweed as adults, even though they don’t eat it anymore?
- Can you describe the flowers of a milkweed plant?
- Can you describe the size of a milkweed plant?
Monarch Butterflies Nature Study Video Class
In the upcoming No Sweat Nature Study video class about monarch butterflies, diagram the incredible life cycle of a monarch butterfly! See how scientists track their migration across continents while creating a map of flight paths.
Free Nature Observation Printable Packet for All Seasons
No matter what time of year you’re listening to this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, here’s a printable pack of nature observation activities for every season of the year!
Would you like to record a voicemail to answer this season’s nature study question?
At the end of each No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, Mrs. Cindy includes messages from a few of her friends. You can record a message that she might use on an upcoming episode!
All children must have their parent’s permission before leaving a recording. Parents are welcome to record an answer, too!
Each season, there will be a different question to answer. You can see this season’s question below. Think about your answer first, and then follow these simple directions:
- Click the button that says “Start recording”.
- Tell me your first name. (If you want to tell your age and/or where you live, feel free to do that.)
- You will have 60 seconds to answer the question but try to be concise.
- Push the play button to listen to your recording before sending it to ensure it is recorded correctly. If not, re-record it.
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