Journey North Monarch Butterfly Spring 2005

Monarch Migration Update: February 18, 2005

Today's Report Includes:

Field Notes from Mexico by Dr. Bill Calvert
A Dramatic Lesson in Butterfly Behavior: Do You See the Clue?
Food, Water, Shelter, and Space: Exploring the Monarch's Winter Habitat
Mexico's Wet and Dry Seasons: Dr. Brower's Precipitation Graph
Where Do Monarchs Get Water? Challenge Question #3
Close Quarters: Discussion of Challenge Question #2

Field Notes from Mexico by Dr. Bill Calvert
Dr. Calvert called from Mexico yesterday, where he is leading a group of teachers to see the monarchs. On the first day, he realized there was going to be a problem. "They didn't know what to expect and I was full of anxiety," he said.

The teachers did not see a single butterfly! On the second day, he heard moans of disappointment. The third and fourth days, however, were spectacular. "Everybody learned a dramatic lesson about butterfly behavior," he said.

Do You See the Clue?
Before you read what happened, can you guess why the days were so different?

Look closely at the two photos below. Can you name two differences between them? What does this tell you about butterfly behavior?
Then read Field Notes from Mexico by Dr. Bill Calvert

Food, Water, Shelter, and Space: Exploring the Monarch's Winter Habitat
This season, we're exploring the monarch overwintering phenomena by examining habitat--food, water, shelter, and space. Next week we will focus on water. First, it's important to know about Mexico's wet and dry seasons. What do you suppose these seasons mean for monarchs?

Mexico's Wet and Dry Seasons: Dr. Brower’s Precipitation Graph
Dr. Lincoln Brower has studied monarchs for over fifty years! The graph below is adapted from his research. It shows rainfall in the sanctuary region for every month of the year. Llook carefully at the precipitation graph and describe what you see. Then listen to Dr. Brower explain what the wet and dry seasons mean for monarchs:

1. Describe what you see. (Click graph to enlarge.)	2. Then listen to Dr. Brower's description

Where Do Monarchs Get Water? Challenge Question #3
It's the middle of February. As you can see from Dr. Brower's graph, the dry season has been underway for almost four months. Where do you suppose monarchs find the water they need to survive? In next week's report you will find ways that are sure to surprise you. What can you speculate while you wait?

Challenge Question #3
"Where do you think monarchs get the water they need to survive the dry season in Mexico? How many sources of water can you imagine?"

(Please send us your answer! Simply follow the instructions below.)

Close Quarters: Discussion of Challenge Question #2
Last week we asked, "If the typical monarch weighs 500 mg, how much would a branch loaded with 15,000 butterflies weigh?"

Thanks to Susie in Texas for sharing her monarch math!

"Each branch would weigh 7.5 kilograms (16.54 lbs). Things that weigh that much are my very large cat 'Pumpkin,' and my mother's weight bag with both of her 6 lbs weights, one of her 4 lbs weights, and a book."

How to Respond to Today's Monarch Challenge Question

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-monarch@learner.org

2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question #3

3. In the body of your message, answer the question above.

The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on February 25, 2005