The Monarch Butterfly: A Review

Abstract

A novel view of the monarch butterfly's (Danaus plexippus) life history <br /><br />is presented through the synthesis of theories developed in the last few years with <br /><br />more traditional ecological models of the monarch. The important factors di- <br /><br />recting monarch butterfly population dynamics are now understood to be: 1) <br /><br />Oviposition and Range Dynamics, 2) Energetics, 3) Mating Kinetics, and 4) Pre- <br /><br />dation Deterrence. An understanding of the evolutionary basics and interaction <br /><br />of these factors in D. plexippus provides a foundation for the study of other <br /><br />endangered species.