Document Type
Other
Publisher
Maine Sea Grant College Program
Rights and Access Note
Rights assessment remains the responsibility of the researcher. No known restrictions on publication.
Publication Date
2013
Publisher location
Orono, ME
Publication Number
MEU-G-13-013
Abstract/ Summary
Over the past two decades, researchers have observed declines in populations of both monarch butterflies (over 70% in some areas) and milkweed. Climate-related factors contributing to these declines include increasing frequency of intense winter storms and near freezing temperatures in monarch overwintering areas in Mexico, and severe droughts in the southwestern and southeastern United States, which affect both species. If these trends continue, they could create a mismatch in time or space between monarch breeding cycles along their northward migration (April to August) and the growth and survival of milkweed plants eaten by monarch caterpillars.
Repository Citation
Bisson, Beth and Stancioff, Esperanza, "Signs of the Seasons Program Species in Focus: Monarchs and Milkweed, an Ecological Relationship Threatened by Climate Change" (2013). Maine Sea Grant Publications. 84.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/seagrant_pub/84
Version
publisher's version of the published document
Included in
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