Monarchs and Milkweed

Monarchs and Milkweed

Author: Anurag Agrawal

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2017-03-28

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 0691166358

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The fascinating and complex evolutionary relationship of the monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant Monarch butterflies are one of nature's most recognizable creatures, known for their bright colors and epic annual migration from the United States and Canada to Mexico. Yet there is much more to the monarch than its distinctive presence and mythic journeying. In Monarchs and Milkweed, Anurag Agrawal presents a vivid investigation into how the monarch butterfly has evolved closely alongside the milkweed—a toxic plant named for the sticky white substance emitted when its leaves are damaged—and how this inextricable and intimate relationship has been like an arms race over the millennia, a battle of exploitation and defense between two fascinating species. The monarch life cycle begins each spring when it deposits eggs on milkweed leaves. But this dependency of monarchs on milkweeds as food is not reciprocated, and milkweeds do all they can to poison or thwart the young monarchs. Agrawal delves into major scientific discoveries, including his own pioneering research, and traces how plant poisons have not only shaped monarch-milkweed interactions but have also been culturally important for centuries. Agrawal presents current ideas regarding the recent decline in monarch populations, including habitat destruction, increased winter storms, and lack of milkweed—the last one a theory that the author rejects. He evaluates the current sustainability of monarchs and reveals a novel explanation for their plummeting numbers. Lavishly illustrated with more than eighty color photos and images, Monarchs and Milkweed takes readers on an unforgettable exploration of one of nature's most important and sophisticated evolutionary relationships.


Monarch Butterfly 101

Monarch Butterfly 101

Author: HowExpert

Publisher: HowExpert

Published: 2017-06-28

Total Pages: 59

ISBN-13: 1647587794

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book tells what people believe about the monarch, why people love it, why it is important to science, the history of the monarch, the meaning of its name, and what the purpose of the monarch’s life is. - It gives a full description of what the monarch looks like, the metamorphosis, and a description of its four stages of its life. - It describes the monarch’s habitat, diseases, common predators, and what they do to avoid them. - It gives a description of the famous migration of the monarchs to Mexico and California every year. - It tells of the habits of the monarch including what they eat, the importance of milkweed plants, their mating habits, and other interesting facts. - It will list the reasons why the monarch is disappearing and how several organizations are working hard to save them. - There is a list of things to do to help save the caterpillars so they have the chance to become beautiful monarchs. - This book explains how we can keep the monarch from becoming classified as an endangered species. - The book has a list in the last chapter of places you can go to see exhibits and the live monarch along with other butterflies. About the Expert: Raised in the countryside of lovely central Minnesota, Jessica Dumas had plenty of butterflies around and was amazed by them. When she grew up, she married and moved to the city, had three children and a career. Her love for butterflies dwindled. Several years later her mom died from breast cancer. She left her several butterfly-related personal items. Jessica's love for butterflies was rekindled and in remembrance of her, she became an advocate and lover of butterflies with the desire to write about them. She has written poems about butterflies but this is her first butterfly book. Jessica hopes you enjoy it! HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.


Monarch Butterflies

Monarch Butterflies

Author: Ann Hobbie

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

Published: 2021-04-27

Total Pages: 49

ISBN-13: 1635862892

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Monarchs are a favorite and familiar North American butterfly, and their incredible annual migration has captured the popular imagination for generations. As populations of monarchs decline dramatically due to habitat loss and climate change, interest in and enthusiasm for protecting these beloved pollinators has skyrocketed. With easy-to-read text and colorful, engaging illustrations, Monarch Butterflies presents young readers with rich, detailed information about the monarchs’ life cycle, anatomy, and the wonders of their signature migration, as well as how to raise monarchs at home and the cultural significance of monarchs in Day of the Dead celebrations. As the book considers how human behavior has harmed monarchs, it offers substantive ways kids can help make a positive difference. Children will learn how to turn lawns into native plant gardens, become involved in citizen science efforts such as tagging migrating monarchs and participating in population counts, and support organizations that work to conserve butterflies.


The Humane Gardener

The Humane Gardener

Author: Nancy Lawson

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Published: 2017-04-18

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 1616896175

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.


Swoope Almanac

Swoope Almanac

Author: Robert Whitescarver

Publisher:

Published: 2019-04-13

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 9781934368459

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Robert Whitescarver and his wife Jeanne live on a cattle farm in Swoope, Va. in the Shenandoah Valley. Whitescarver's stories and journal entries tell tales of combining good farming and good conservation practices on a life journey that has produced a healthier ecosystem and a cleaner Chesapeake Bay. You will laugh and cry as you travel into a world of wide open spaces, shrikes, calf cookers, riparian buffers, and cow pies.


100 Plants to Feed the Monarch

100 Plants to Feed the Monarch

Author: The Xerces Society

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

Published: 2021-04-20

Total Pages: 570

ISBN-13: 1635862744

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The plight of the monarch butterfly has captured public attention and sparked widespread interest in helping to save their dwindling populations. In this in-depth portrait of the monarch butterfly—covering its life cycle, its remarkable relationship with milkweed, its extraordinary migration, and the threats it now faces due to habitat loss and climate change—detailed instructions on how to design and create monarch-friendly landscapes are enriched by guidance on observing and understanding butterfly behavior and habits. Following the model of their previous best-selling book, 100 Plants to Feed the Bees, the Xerces Society provides at-a-glance profiles of the plant species that provide monarchs with nourishment. The plants, which are all commercially available, range from dozens of species of milkweed—the only food of monarch caterpillars—to numerous flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that provide nectar for the adult butterfly, including those that bloom in late season and sustain monarchs in their great migration. Gorgeous photographs of monarchs and plants, plus illustrations, maps, and garden plans, make this a visually engaging guide.


The Monarch Butterfly Migration: Wonders Of Winged Insects

The Monarch Butterfly Migration: Wonders Of Winged Insects

Author: Nicky Huys

Publisher: Nicky Huys

Published: 2024-01-20

Total Pages: 115

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"The Monarch Butterfly Migration: Wonders of Winged Insects" is a captivating exploration of the awe-inspiring journey of Monarch butterflies. Delving into the intricacies of their migration, this book unveils the remarkable life cycle of these winged wonders and the vital role they play in the ecosystem. Through vivid descriptions and fascinating insights, readers are taken on a breathtaking adventure, witnessing the beauty of these butterflies in flight and gaining a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. With a blend of scientific expertise and naturalist storytelling, this book offers a compelling tribute to the enduring marvel of the Monarch butterfly migration.