Mission Monarch

Monarch butterflies undergo a complete metamorphosis during their lifetimes. They start out as an egg, often found on the leaves of plants, such as milkweed. Milkweed is poisonous to many animals, deferring them from consuming the butterfly. After the egg has hatched, the new caterpillar consumes the plant matter around it, slowly gaining size. Eventually, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis. Once it emerges from the chrysalis, the monarch butterfly has complete metamorphosis. These incredible butterflies migrate up to 3,000 miles each year, completing a multigenerational journey! 

Monarch butterflies are listed as threatened under the U.S. endangered species act. Pesticides and herbicides decrease the population of these butterflies. Additionally, climate change and the spread of herbicide-resistant crops has drastically reduced the amount of milkweed.