Monarch Butterfly

Category: Environment | Biodiversity | Climate Change

UPSC Notes

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is recognised for its long-distance seasonal migration, particularly in North America. Eastern North American populations migrate to overwintering sites in the mountains of central Mexico, while western populations have traditionally overwintered along the California coast.

The butterfly depends on milkweed plants during its larval stage. Changes in habitat, pesticide exposure and climate conditions can disrupt its life cycle and migration.

Key Pointers

  • Order: Lepidoptera.

  • Family: Nymphalidae.

  • Distinctive feature: Orange wings with black veins and borders.

  • Larval food plant: Milkweed.

  • Migration: Famous long-distance migration in North America.

  • Threats: Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change and degradation of overwintering sites.

  • Ecological role: Pollination and participation in terrestrial food webs.

  • Conservation: Protection of milkweed, flowering plants and migration habitats.

UPSC focus: Insect migration, pollinator conservation, habitat fragmentation and climate-related biodiversity loss.