Myth 1: Monarch Butterflies Eat GMOs

Among the more popular arguments against GMO crops is that they are responsible for the recent decline of monarch butterflies, one of nature’s most spectacular creatures. The iconic insects make a long journey from the United States to overwinter in the forested mountains of Mexico, and their numbers have plummeted.

Many experts believe that the spread of genetically modified corn and soybeans that are resistant to herbicides is playing a role. Those crops are sprayed with Roundup, and when they occupy large swaths of land, milkweed plants that are the butterflies’ main food source start to die out.

But a growing number of researchers are skeptical that the link between GM crops and monarch population declines is unambiguous. Correlation does not equal causation, and no independent studies have yet tested whether GM crop use causes milkweed deaths. And while the use of Roundup is certainly a factor in the monarchs’ decline, other factors are also at play.

Myth 2: Monarch Butterflies Eat Milkweed

Monarch butterflies’ spectacular multi-generational migration to the California coast is an incredible wildlife spectacle. The new monarchs arriving here this spring are 4 to 5 generations removed from the butterflies that left Santa Cruz last fall. During their long journey, monarchs flit from place to place in search of milkweed (Asclepias) on which to lay their eggs. The larvae then eat the milkweed leaves and, by injesting the toxins in the plant, become toxic to predators.

https://peaksfabrications.com/aftermarket-caterpillar-parts-debunking-misconceptions.html Tropical milkweed does not go dormant in the winter, so it continues to attract monarch caterpillars. These caterpillars, however, are at a higher risk for infection with a protozoan parasite called OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha). Infection with OE weakens monarchs so that they don’t make it to the overwintering sites in central Mexico.

Adding native milkweed to fields, prairies and home gardens is one of the best ways to help monarchs. Learn more about planting milkweed here. The South Carolina Botanical Garden has several good native milkweed choices including butterfly weed, common milkweed and swamp milkweed. The organization also offers seed kits.

Myth 3: Monarch Butterflies Eat Pollen

Many people are familiar with the Monarch Butterfly, thanks to its iconic orange and black wings and the spectacular migration it makes each year across the United States and into Mexico. What is less known, however, is that monarch populations have been declining. This may be due to a combination of factors, including disruption of migratory patterns and loss of overwintering grounds in Mexico, climate change, and reduced acreage of milkweed, their summertime habitat.

When debunking a myth, it’s important to lead with a clear, pithy fact that counters the misinformation and is presented in a memorable way. Using an analogy and making the fact concrete and plausible also helps increase interest, understanding, and retention. Then, explain why the myth is wrong — for example, by presenting a fact about how goldenrod, which is a critical food source for monarchs during their fall migrations to overwintering sites in Mexico, is actually safe for allergy sufferers to eat.

Myth 4: Monarch Butterflies Eat Plants

Monarch butterflies need milkweed for egg laying and caterpillar food, but they also eat the leaves of many other plants. It turns out that most “invasive” plants – such as Japanese barberry, thistle (no, it’s not from Canada!), privet (Ligustrum species), and burning bush – offer the butterflies a sweet treat.

The monarch population is declining sharply, largely due to dwindling milkweed habitat, loss of overwintering sites in Mexico and the U.S, and logging in the 217-square-mile butterfly biosphere reserve of eucalyptus. The butterflies roost in these trees to survive the winter, and if the trees are felled, they’ll be lost along with their unique forest ecosystem.

The good news is that milkweed and other native wildflowers are easy to grow in our gardens. Just remember to research the growing patterns of a plant before planting it in your yard so that you don’t end up with a runaway weed! English ivy, for example, blooms in Fall and winter in the old Plan for Sutro Forest and is beloved by Monarch butterflies. It’s a lovely addition to any garden, but be aware that it can also attract other insect predators.

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