Monarch Butterflies

Monarchs are amazing creatures. The butterflies are not only beautiful, but are actually the most recogized and studied butterflies on the planet. The scientific name for Monarchs is Danaus plexippus, which is translated in Greek to 'sleepy transformation.'

Monarchs lead a very diverse life. The transformation from a tiny egg to a brightly colored butterfly is extraordinary in nature. Every year, they migrate from areas of the United States and Canada to Mexico, where they hibernate through the winter. This migration pattern is the most complex of all butterflies and moths. 

A monarch's life begins as an egg. Female butterflies will lay about 300 eggs within a month period, and only on milkweed plants. The egg hatches to a tiny translucent caterpillar in about 4 days. At birth, it is no more than a quarter of an inch long. The caterpillar will eat the 'eggshell,' then begin feasting on the milkweed leaf it was born on. Milkweed is the only plant a Monarch caterpillar will eat. The caterpillar matures through five 'instars' of growth, each one lasting about 2 days, as it grows and becomes more vivid in color. The fifth and final instar is a bit longer, averaging 4 days before it attaches itself to a suitable location for its transformation. 

Monarch caterpillars prepare themselves by creating a silk mat, and holding on to it with their back legs. Next, they hang down in a "J" shape for about 18 hours while their bodies rearrange their internal organs. The formation of the chrysalis is very quick, and only lasts a few minutes. The hanging caterpillars skin will 'split,' and it will wiggle the shell of its body upwards, exposing a green chrysalis. The caterpillar carefully slips the shell of skin off of its body to drop. 

The chrysalis will harden in a few hours, where it will remain for 10-14 days while completing the transformation to a butterfly. The chrysalis exterior will turn clear when the butterfly is nearing its time to hatch, exposing the colors of the Monarch butterfly which is to emerge. In about 24 hours, the butterfly will break open the chrysalis and rejoin the world. 

 The young Monarch butterfly hatches with small, wet, and crumpled wings. As they crawl out of the chrysalis, they slowly flap their wings to 'fluff' and dry them, and they begin to take their shape and structure. After a few hours, they are ready to fly, eat, and continue in their migration. 

Monarchs are threatened, and should be on the endangered species list. Climate change, habitat loss, and the decline of milkweed plants are the biggest change affecting the Monarch population. The Eastern Monarch population has decline nearly 90% in the last two decades.  

In December of 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that listing the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act was “warranted but precluded by higher priority actions.” Another sources indicates that the only reason that they are not on the list is that there is not enough Federal Funding to support the addition.

Although females may lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime, the survival rate in the wild is only about 10%.

We can help in conservation efforts by planting milkweed and other pollinator plants, as well as helping to share information about Monarch butterflies to encourage others to join in the efforts. 

Milkweed is critical for Monarch Butterflies to survive. Female butterflies will only lay their eggs on milkweed, and caterpillars will only eat milkweed leaves, flowers and seed pods. Without this plant, the Monarch population would cease to exist. 

According to Monarch Watch, there are 73 species of native milkweed varieties in the United State, although many of these rare, threatened and endangered. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation has identified 17 varieties of milkweed native to the Palmetto State, with only 3 being common or easy to find, while the South Carolina Native Plant Society has identified an additional 3 varieties.

A recent study predicted that the United States needs about 3.6 million milkweed stems to re-establish the Monarch population, however, only 1.3 million were in existence. 

Experience the Magic of Monarchs

Fire Tower Flowers has developed an educational program designed to share Monarch knowledge and increase awareness of these special creatures by allowing you to Adopt A Monarch. 

What To Expect

The program consist of a mandatory preparation class where we discuss Monarch butterflies, their lifespans and migration habits, population and decline, food sources, and how to care for them as caterpillars and butterflies. This helps ensure proper knowledge and care of these these delicate creatures, giving the best chances at success for these threatened animals. We will then go for a quick farm tour and visit the established milkweed areas and look for caterpillars and butterflies. We do ask that all participants sign a waiver that promises proper care for the caterpillars, and to release the butterflies in a timely manner to allow them to continue in their migration. Then you may head home with your newly adopted Monarch. 

What It Includes

After the class, tour and waivers, you will receive a 24 inch butterfly cage (which is included in our recycling program), gallon size potted milkweed plant, Monarch care accessories, and your very own Monarch caterpillar you can watch grow and transform into a beautiful butterfly. 

How To Reserve A Space

The Adopt A Monarch program is offered in the fall, usually throughout September. Check our events calendar for the next scheduled program, and reserve your space with a ticket from our market.