Everyone knows what a beautiful Monarch butterfly looks like – orange with black stripes. But does everyone know that the Monarch is and has been in serious decline, and may even qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act?
The reasons for this decline are threefold: pesticides, parasites and loss of habitat. Pesticides have been known to kill native vegetation and milkweed, the only food source for Monarchs. They need milkweed, and lots of it in order to survive.
The parasite problem stems from the type of milkweed grown in gardens that Monarchs feed on. Native Narrow-leaf Milkweed is fine. It is winter dormant and should be cut back to the ground in November. However, the Tropical Milkweed from Central America may present a problem for Monarchs. It remains green all year and is not ordinarily cut back, thereby creating an opportunity for parasites to flourish, and that can ultimately infect and pose a danger to the Monarch butterfly.
As a precaution, even though still green, every December, gardeners should do a winter cut-back of Tropical Milkweed not only to minimize the possibility of disease and danger to the Monarch, but to strengthen the plant and make it look better the following year.
Why are Monarchs bright orange? Interestingly enough, their bright orange color signals danger to predators. The milkweed they ingest contains toxins that are poisonous to many but not all predators, thereby protecting the Monarch as they feed, reproduce and migrate.
Although Monarchs are small and seemingly insignificant, they are important pollinators that transfer pollen from one plant to another. And they are important to the ecosystem.
Migrating Monarchs require milkweed in order to make the long journey West. It is their only source of food, and they are reliant on a diminishing supply of milkweed for reproduction and for nourishment.
As they migrate to the west, the number of those that are wintering in California is down more than 90% from the 1980’s. The agricultural practices in the Midwest and the spread of pesticides and GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) and herbicide-resistant crops such as corn and soybeans have caused a decline in milkweed. And without milkweed, Monarchs will perish.
The Monarch butterfly is in danger of extinction, but you can help! You can volunteer as a Citizen Scientist and participate in a gathering and count at one of the more than 200 sites in California from San Diego to Montecito and help to count and document the dwindling numbers of Monarchs during their winter migration.
You can also plant a few Native California Milkweed plants and create a butterfly garden with a single Passion Vine, Yarrow, Salvia, Butterfly Bush and other butterfly-loving plants. Even if you have limited space, there is a lot you can do to welcome Monarchs and other birds and pollinators to your home.
And, finally, you can encourage others to do the same, and watch the number of Monarchs begin to rise, and know that you’ve made a difference and that you are a part of the success to save the Monarchs!
L. Davide