This project explores the close relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed plants. Milkweed serves as the exclusive host plant for monarch eggs, with the emerging caterpillars relying on its leaves for food. Notably, monarch butterfly populations in North America have declined in recent decades. One possible cause of this decline is a lack of milkweed plants. In response, concerned individuals have taken initiatives to cultivate milkweed in both public and private spaces. However, it is unclear what cultivation practices most benefit the monarch butterflies. For instance, preliminary research suggests that monarchs prefer laying eggs on young, nonflowering milkweed plants over their flowering counterparts. If this is the case, land managers may support monarch butterfly reproduction by mowing or pruning milkweed plants.

 The intern on this project will help inform conservation practices by assisting with a review of scientific studies investigating the monarch-milkweed relationship. Additionally, they will participate in data collection and analysis through the Budburst community science project to address pertinent questions, such as whether monarchs prefer laying eggs on flowering or non-flowering plants.