Monarch Caterpillar – 8/13/20

Observer: Rita Corey

Observation Date: 8/13/20

Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.

Observation Place: Mountain St.

Common Name: Monarch Butterfly caterpillar

Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus

Comments: This monarch caterpillar was feeding on milkweed. It will soon form a chrysalis.

Milkweed is poisonous. Monarch caterpillars eat milkweed to make themselves poisonous to avoid predation. Their bright coloration is a warning to predators. Eating milkweed can sometimes be fatal to the monarch caterpillar itself.

Monarchs make an epic, multi-generational migration. Check it out at the link below.

More Information: National Geographic