Naturalist Mark Fraser today delves into the insect world to investigate the monarch caterpillar, which undergoes metamorphosis to become the monarch butterfly.
(Image: Jerry A. Payne, USDA)
"Monarch caterpillars are beautiful creatures," Mark shares. "We often speak
of the famous butterfly they become, but rarely take the time to admire
the brightly colored caterpillar. They have simply amazing colors and
can often be seen working there way around milkweed plants. They are
about 2-3/4 inches in length. They are toxic so birds will not eat them.
Did you know?
Monarch caterpillars are only toxic because of the milkweed foliage they eat?
One species of butterfly, called the 'viceroy,' mimics the monarch.
Monarch caterpillars are only one of many species of insect that feed solely on the milkweed for survival."
Tags: Animals
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