In conjunction with the Environmental Literacy initiative, Arlington Echo introduces its newest unit on the Monarch Butterfly. The unit, How Can We Help Monarch Butterflies? has been developed as part of the first grade curriculum. The Monarch unit began in fall of 2011 for first grade classrooms around Anne Arundel County. Arlington Echo plans to roll out the program to the rest of the first grade classes over the next few years.

Why the Monarch Butterfly?

The Monarch Butterfly is a fascinating insect, with migration characteristics similar to birds and whales. The Monarch goes through a beautiful metamorphosis process where it displays the many things that make it so attractive. Currently Monarchs are not threatened or endangered; however, the over-wintering grounds where Monarchs live and roost in Mexico and California are endangered or threatened. Mostly the harm comes from the destruction of the trees Monarchs have chosen to over-winter in. The 95% of the Monarch population east of the Rocky Mountains migrate to Mexico to roost in the native Oyamel tree of the Oyamel fir forests. These are located in the Sierra Madre Mountains in the transvolcanic region of Mexico and have become victims of deforestation and illegal logging. The other 5% of the population that live to the west of the Rockies and migrate to the California Coast, specifically Monterey Bay find much of the same devastation by housing development. It is important that these areas are protected and that Monarchs are also welcomed by milkweed during their migrations. Milkweed is the host plant for the Monarch and acts as shelter, a nursery and the main food source for the Monarch caterpillar. Milkweed plants also supply nectar for Monarch adult butterflies.

Some interesting facts about the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexipus):

• Migration occurs in late fall and spring, traveling around 1,000-3,000 miles
• Lifecycle of the Monarch has four stages (Egg, Larva(Caterpillar),Pupa(Chrysalis),Butterfly)
• Monarch caterpillars go through 5 instars (stages) as it grows
• The Monarch caterpillar eats only the leaves of milkweed plants
• Spring Monarchs return to the exact location their grand or even great grandparents came from the previous fall
• 3-4 generations of Monarchs will live during one summer
• It is a mystery among scientists as to how Monarchs know to migrate to Mexico and follow the airways of their ancestors