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Handbook of Nature-Study 



LESSON LXXI 

 THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY 



Leading thought The monarch butterfly migrates northward, every 

 spring and summer, moving up as fast as milkweed appears, so as to give 

 food to its caterpillar; and it has often been noticed migrating back 

 southward in the autumn in large swarms. This insect is distasteful to 

 birds in all its stages. Its chrysalis is one of the most beautiful objects in 

 all nature. 



Method This lesson should be given in September, while yet the 

 caterpillars of the monarch may be found feeding upon milkweed, and 

 while there are yet many specimens of this gorgeous butterfly to be seen. 

 The caterpillars may be brought in, on the food plant, and their habits 

 and performances studied in the schoolroom; but care should be taken 

 not to have the atmosphere too dry. 



The Butterfly 



Observations-i . How can you tell the monarch butterfly from all others ? 

 What part of the wings is red? What portions are black? What por- 

 tions are white? What are the colors and markings on the lower side of 

 the wings? What is the color of the body and how is it ornamented? 



2. Is the flight of the monarch rapid or slow and leisurely? Is it a 

 very showy insect when flying? Are its colors more brilliant in the sun- 

 shine when it is flying than at any other time? Why is it not afraid of 

 birds? 



3. When the butterfly alights, how does it hold its wings? Do you 

 think it is as conspicuous when its wings are folded as when they are open ? 



4. Can you see the butterfly's tongue? Describe the antennae. 

 How do they differ from the antennae of moths? How many legs has this 

 butterfly? How does this differ from other insects? Note if you can see 

 any indications of front legs. 



5. Is there on the butterfly you are studying, a black spot near one of 

 the veins on each hind wing? Do you know what this is? What is it for? 



6. Why are the striking colors of this butterfly a great advantage to 

 it? Do you know of any other butterfly which imitates it and thus gains 

 an advantage? 



The Monarch Caterpillar 



1. Where did you find the Monarch caterpillar? Was it feeding 

 below or above on the leaves? Describe how it eats the milkweed leaf. 



2. What are the colors and the markings of the caterpillar? Do you 

 think these make it conspicuous? 



3. How many whip-lash shaped filaments do you find on the cater- 

 pillar? On which segments are they situated? Do these move when the 

 caterpillar walks or when it is disturbed? Of what use are they to the 

 caterpillar? 



_ 4. Do you think this caterpillar would feed upon anything except 



mill. Does it rest, when not feeding, upon the upper or the lower 



surface of the leaves? Does it feed during the night as well as the day? 



f disturbed, what does the caterpillar do? When it falls down 



among the grass how do its cross stripes protect it from observation ? 



6. Tell all the interesting things which you have seen this caterpillar 

 do. 



