| Title of Work: |
What Characteristics in the Common
Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, Does
the Monarch Buttefly, Danaus
plexxipus, Prefer When Laying
Its Eggs? |
| Presenters, Majors: |
Leif Eidsmoe, Life Science Education |
Abstract: The study of the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexxipus, is important
because the D. plexxipus population is decreasing due to predation and
agricultural practices. During the summer of 2008, the common milkweed
plant, Asclepias syriaca, was observed for the presence or absence of eggs or
larvae of D. plexxipus. The study location was Roseau County, which is located
in Northern Minnesota. There were three sites observed; a rural, intermediate,
and urban. At each site there were 12-1m2 quadrates. At each quadrate plant
characteristics were observed. D. plexxipus showed a preference to laying eggs
on A. syriaca densities of 6-8 plants (plants per 1 m2), on A. syriaca that had
a flower present, and on A. syriaca that were located at the intermediate site
(population <50). D. plexxipus preferred the intermediate area which is where
many agricultural fields were located in this study. This factor could be one
reason why D. plexxipus numbers are decreasing. |
