Why Monarchs?

The Monarch is an ideal model for studying habitat quality and movement because they are master dispersers.
The bright coloration of Monarchs makes them easy to identify, allowing the incorporation of community science into my urban ecology framework.
Monarchs are important indicator species for a healthy environment as they show a preference to lay eggs on milkweeds growing in heterogenous plots.
Monarchs are a listed candidate under the Endangered Species Act. One main reason for its decline is due to the reduction of available breeding grounds.

The marvelous frenemy relationship between Monarchs and Milkweed

Native to North America, Monarchs and their host milkweed serve as a prime example of the co-evolutionary arms race. Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed to lay their eggs, feed and fuel their caterpillar offspring. Since the Monarchs do not assist with the pollination of the common milkweed, it evolved to contain poisonous cardiac glycosides as a form of defense. In return, the Monarch evolved to consume the glycoside, forcing any predator to vomit out the Monarch and develop taste aversion. The signature bright orange and black coloration of the Monarch serve as a reminder for predators to stay away after the initial run-in with the initial unforgiving meal.

One fourth of our planet is covered by artificial light at night (ALAN) and it is continuing to expand

Figure from Frontiers for Young Minds Article written about light pollution. - This nighttime scene shows several types of lights that make light pollution. Types of light pollution include glow from the city, streetlights, vehicles, and other sources. Animals like the birds, mammals, insects, and turtles shown here may all be affected by light pollution. What are some ways we can reduce this excess light?