The Danaus Plexippus, belonging to the family Danaidae, more commonly known as the Monarch Butterfly, is one of Nature's most beautiful and well-recognized insects. This elaborate creature is classified, according to its (1) large wingspan (approximately 10 centimeters across at times) and proportionally smaller body, (2) shingle-like scale covering on these wings, (3) a pair of antennae on its head, as well as (4) having mouth parts which resemble drinking straws; in the 4th largest order of insects (along with …showed first 75 words of 1003 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1003 total…larvae into the classroom and "grown" them into caterpillars and eventually full-fledged Monarchs, just before they are freed. This study as well as much dedication in part by butterfly observatories, shows the extensive love and care taken to keep the butterfly one of North America's most valued insects; always a constant reminder of summer and natural beauty. 1) www.encarta.com ("Butterflies and Moths", + "Monarch Butterfly") 2) www.npr.org (Butterfly Studies etc-) 3) The Environmental Science Book