Danaida Monarch - description, habitat, species

This material is dedicated to the danaide monarch - a butterfly, which is ranked as a lepidopteran order and arthropod insects in particular. Representatives of the nymphalids family practically do not stand out from the rest, but this does not prevent them from attracting the attention of lovers. Danaids also have a genus of the same name. For such a small individual, they came up with an impressive name, and this is no accident. It is believed that the name has royal roots and stretches from mythology.

Description

1. In these lepidoptera there is practically nothing to stand out. They have wings spread out on both sides, which range in scope from 7-10 cm. However, this fact is not considered the most distinctive.
2. Wings, consisting of more than 1.5 million cells, allow insects to fly about 4 thousand km. A lot of air bubbles accumulate in these cells, which allow lepidoptera to fly like that.
3. As for the color of the wings, there are a lot of shades. But the most obvious are the reddish-brown outlines and pigmentation. Of course, there are yellow, green, orange patterns, consisting of specks or stripes.
4. It is possible to distinguish males with females precisely by pigmentation. Individuals of the male half are lighter, while the female representatives of the family are dark. In addition, females are slightly smaller in overall characteristics.

Habitat

1. This variety of Lepidoptera is considered a migratory one. Individuals are able to fly many kilometers to reach warm climatic regions at the end. In the winter, butterflies are already warm and bask under the sun. Lepidoptera creatures begin to migrate as soon as subsistence in their locality ends.
2. Since our representative belongs to the genus Danaid, she also belongs to the nymphalid family. Today, it includes about 12 varieties of Lepidoptera, which many have forgotten about. Due to the fact that there are many different individuals, the external characteristics can also vary.
3. When an insect is in flight and spreads its wings, it looks very impressive. Their scope can reach up to 10 cm, so the butterflies look very beautiful. However, it has already been mentioned that the distinctive characteristic is not the scope, but the presence of 1.5 million holes filled with air. These bubbles allow you to travel long distances in a relatively short time.
4. Some representatives have bright yellowish stripes, but often such butterflies live only in America. The territory of North America is involved in the most beautiful representatives; large and colorful Danaids live there. The edges of the wings may have a black pigmented border. Thanks to this, it is possible to distinguish individuals of the male half from the female.
5. Since migration occurs due to compelled reasons (lack of food in the usual habitat), the butterflies scattered to different corners of the globe. Today, a huge population is concentrated in Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and the surrounding territories. Insects live in the Canary Islands and Madeira. With great success, there are representatives of the family in the vastness of our homeland.
6. Observing the migration of the presented Lepidoptera, it should be said that they fly away from North America around the end of summer. Going to the southern part, butterflies gather in packs. It looks impressive as a living cloud leaves the edges at a time. If they live north, then they are preparing for the flight in the spring.
7. Even if the female is in a ticklish position, she does not stay, but continues to prepare for departure with the rest of the family. She will keep her eggs until she reaches the final destination. Then he will settle in a new zone, lay eggs and will successfully develop. In the vastness of Mexico there is a reserve in which these butterflies feel very comfortable.

Lifestyle

1. These insects are thermophilic creatures. Individuals die quickly if sudden changes occur in a climate change, especially during a cold snap. It is worth noting the amazing fact that such butterflies are world record holders for flying to warm countries. Their distance is about 4000 km. At the same time, they are capable of speeds of 35 km / h.
2. Due to the unique color of the caterpillar, predators are not even afraid. Bright streaks throughout the body make it clear to the enemies that the larvae have poison. In addition, in two weeks, while the caterpillars live in this form, they eat food 15,000 times the mass of their own body. As a result, the larvae grow to a length of 8 cm.
3. At the same time, adult female caterpillars begin to lay eggs on the inside of the leaves of plants. The main dish in the usual diet of such insects is a quack. The juice of such a plant is saturated with glycoside. As soon as substances accumulate, they pass into the body of the insect.
4. With the onset of the cold period, individuals try to get plenty of this nectar, drinking it in huge quantities. Due to this, natural sugar is synthesized into adipose tissue. This is exactly what butterflies need during a long trip. After this, the individuals migrate.
5. As soon as the butterflies arrive at the place of wintering, they hibernate for 4 months. In this case, individuals in this state look quite unusual and it is not clear who they are like. In addition, the hibernation of butterflies flows in huge colonies. To keep warm, individuals cling to the branches of plants that secrete milky juice.
6. If you see such a sight on trees, you might involuntarily think that individuals hang in the form of clusters of grapes or mountain ash. After the butterflies wake up from hibernation, they immediately spread their wings and begin to wave them intensively. Thus, the insects warm up before the upcoming flight.

Nutrition

The adults in question in most cases feed on nectar of various flowers and plants. Most often, it can be lilac, aster, carrots, butyrus, teasel, alfalfa and many others.

Breeding

1. The mating season in such insects falls in the spring. After the pairing has occurred, the female lays the egg. Literally after 4 days, a larva already appears. It is during this period that the caterpillars pose the greatest danger to agriculture.
2. There are a lot of them, while the larvae have a brutal appetite. Once the caterpillar has accumulated enough fat, pupation occurs. In just 2 weeks, a full-fledged butterfly is born.

In addition, numerous observations of scientists on the insects in question revealed that such individuals live from 2 weeks to 2 months. A large role is played by climatic conditions, lifestyle and the presence of natural enemies. However, some poisonous plants eat caterpillars, accumulating toxins in themselves. Therefore, birds and other animals rarely attack insects.

Video: Danaida Monarch (Danaus plexippus)