Monarch butterflies are poisonous to most predators. However, some animals can eat monarch butterflies, and millions are eaten during the winter season in Mexico.

• How would you define predator? Prey?
• Millions of monarchs in Mexico are eaten by predators. Who do you think are the three main predators?
• How do you think the monarchs defend themselves from potential predators?

3. Preview vocabulary using word cards. Have students predict how the words may be related to the essential question: Who are the monarch's predators in Mexico and how do the butterflies defend themselves?

As a class, read through the pages of the slideshow together. Stop occasionally to spotlight key words and ideas or ask questions. Encourage students to share their own questions sparked by the information and images.

1. Solve "Who-Done-It" mysteries. Each predator has its own method of eating a monarch. Close inspection of butterfly remains reveals clues about the predator. Have students inspect three photos and read descriptive clues to solve "who-done-it" mysteries. Look for evidence that helps identify the predator: Black-headed Grosbeak, Black-backed Oriole, or Black-eared Mouse. What clues did the predator-suspect leave behind? Check your answers.

2. Search for survival strategies. Inspect three photos to see if you can figure out how monarchs avoid hungry predators. Look for details that reveal the physical features and/or behavioral strategies that help monarchs avoid predation. Check your answers.

3. Nouns, Verbs and Predation
Challenge students to write sentences that describe how monarchs defend themselves.

4. Mark up the text. Revisit the essential question: Who are the monarch's predators in Mexico and how do the butterflies defend themselves? Have students reread the text-only version of the slideshow with a partner, underlining important ideas and circling key words. Challenge them to use the word cards to write a summary paragraph that answers the essential question.

• What other examples can you find in nature where aggregation is a defense strategy? camouflage, cryptic coloration? chemical protection?
• Why are defense mechanisms important for survival?
• What role does a predator play in an ecosystem?
• Why do scientists study the size of predator and prey populations?
• How does milkweed eaten in late summer (before fall migration) help a monarch survive winter in Mexico? (poisonous chemical toxins, stored fat)

• Millions of Monarchs Eaten by Predators
  Article contributed by Dr. Bill Calvert