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Monarch butterflies help explain why parasites harm hosts

Researchers found that female monarchs with intermediate parasite loads were long-lived and laid many eggs, while those with light loads also thrived but had fewer infected offspring. The study provides evidence for the 'trade-off hypothesis' in a natural system.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2008

In the migratory marathon, parasitized monarchs drop out early

Parasitized monarch populations are more susceptible to habitat loss and climate change, leading to a decline in migratory populations. The study's findings suggest that long-distance migration can amplify the effects of parasite infections on hosts.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 8, 2005
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Study predicts loss of monarch winter refuges

A study predicts that monarch butterfly winter refuges in central Mexico will continue to decline due to increased storms and wet conditions. Human activities such as deforestation and logging further exacerbate the problem, threatening the survival of these iconic butterflies.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2003

Body clocks keep migrating monarchs on course, Science study shows

A study by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) found that monarchs use their internal circadian clock to navigate towards Mexico. The researchers manipulated daily light cycles on butterflies in a flight simulator, showing that disrupted clocks hinder navigation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2003

Monarch butterflies, corn pollen coexist in cornfields

Researchers found that monarch larvae are more likely to be exposed to toxic corn pollen when pollen is shed during peak larval activity. In Ontario, 62% of larvae were exposed to toxic pollen, while in Iowa, the figure was 15%. The study suggests that agricultural habitats like cornfields are crucial for monarchs.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2001