Monarch Butterflies

You can save the Monarch butterfly by Planting Milkweed.

Milkweed is the only plant on which the Monarch lays its eggs. It is the only plant that the growing caterpillars can eat and so it is necessary for their survival.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY?

THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY POPULATION IS IN DECLINE

The Monarch butterfly population has decreased 75%–90% depending upon the year.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

Monarchs and other pollinators are being threatened by a number of factors:

  • Habitat loss (loss of milkweed and other native nectaring plants)
  • Without milkweed, there is no Monarch butterfly
  • Use of pesticides and herbicides that poison butterflies and their caterpillars and kill milkweed
  • Introduced diseases
  • Increased invasive plant species that out compete natives
  • The use of neonicotinoids, which chemically alters plant pollen and nectar, making it toxic to pollinators
  • A reduction of native plant habitats across 40 million acres in the U.S. due to land use alterations
  • Because of the 2,800 mile migratory path of the Monarch butterfly, it isn't localized and takes more people restoring the milkweed plants in their region

THE AMAZING LIFE CYCLE OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY

1. Egg: The female lays her eggs solely on milkweed plants. They hatch in 3-5 days.

2. Larva: The Monarch caterpillar hatches,  then sheds its skin in 5 “instars” (stages). The Monarch caterpillar is fully grown within 10-14 days.

3. Pupa: When the Monarch caterpillar is ready to form its chrysalis, it curls up into a J-shape and sheds its skin for the 5th time, forming a green chrysalis with small gold flecks.

4. Butterfly: Within 10-14 days, the chrysalis becomes transparent and the butterfly emerges. Within just a few hours, the Monarch is ready to fly.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

ITS NEVER BEEN EASIER—PLANT MILKWEED!

The most effective way you can help is by planting a pollinator-friendly garden with milkweed for the Monarchs to lay their eggs. There are many native plants that are also great for other butterflies, bees, humming birds, and pollinators.

THE BENEFITS OF MICHIGAN NATIVE MILKWEED PLANTS:

  • Require less water due to their deep roots
  • Their deep roots can clean toxins out of the soil
  • Need no pesticides
  • They grow back each year
  • They feed our the Monarch caterpillars and our local pollinators

Healthy & Safe:
Native plants are better adapted to our climate and eliminate the need for toxic chemicals. Thus providing a safe environment for our wildlife and families.

Native plants are healthy for the pollinators and are healthy for you. Keep your pets and children chemical free.

Order your milkweed plants here!