The Effects of Abiotic Factors on Monarch Larvae Behavior

Abstract

In the past two decades, the number of overwintering monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) has declined, which has led to restoration efforts to enhance monarch numbers. The larval stage of monarch butterflies is a crucial phase in their development, as less than 10% of larvae typically survive to adulthood. Climate change has made this stage even more challenging by affecting the availability of milkweed, the sole host of monarch larvae. Therefore, it is essential to understand the environmental conditions that promote the growth and survival of monarch larvae. This observational study was conducted at California State University Channel Islands to determine if abiotic factors, such as temperature, solar lux, humidity, and wind influence monarch larvae behavior. We specifically examined the feeding and movement behavior in relation to instar stages. The abiotic factors were all significantly correlated with each other but there was no association between temperature and behavior. However, there was a significant difference between the instar stages and their feeding and movement behaviors. This overall suggests that other factors may be influential to larvae success.

Details

Session 1

9:30am – 11:00am

Grand Salon