University of Minnesota

Ecology Fair University of Minnesota Monarch Lab

Abstracts from Cloquet Middle School 2000

Cloquet Middle School
509 Carlton Ave
Cloquet, MN 55720

Year: 2000
Teacher(s): Cindy Edwardson

A Comparison of Monarch Forewing Lengths

Heather D, Amber W

We did our experiment on the adult monarch butterfly. We compared the length of the right forewing to the left forewing in male and female butterflies. We hypothesized that the males would have bigger right and left forewings than the females. We analyzed forewing length data collected by our classmates and concluded that both left and right female forewings were larger. There may have been errors in measurement by some students. We also may not have used a large enough sample size for an accurate conclusion. We learned that monarch butterflies forewings do vary in size and how to analyze data with tables and graphs.

Does Light Affect the Length of the Pupa Stage of the Monarch Butterfly?

Matthew H, Matthew G

Five pupae were placed in a covered cage in a dark closet. The length of time to pupate was measured and compared to the class data for pupa development under fluorescent bulbs. We wanted to see if monarch larvae would go through the pupa stage faster in the light or dark. The larvae in the darkened closet pupated an average of two days less than the larvae inthe light. The temperature in the closet, under cover, may have been different than in the lighted classroom. The size of the larvae could have affected the length of the pupa stage also. We learned that darkness may speed up the amount of time in the pupa stage. We also learned how to conduct a scientific experiment.

Does the Amount of Monarch Larvae in a Cage Affect the Amount of Food Eaten by an Individual Larva?

Chad G

I did an experiment to see if Monarch larva eat more, less, or the same amount of milkweed when there are other Monarch larvae in the cage. First, I put one larva in the cage and measured the amount it ate from a one by one inch square of milkweed for five minutes. I then removed the old food and put in a new square and a second larva, and observed how much my first larva ate. I repeated this process three more times until I had five larvae in the cage. I found out that the first larva ate less each time I put a new Monarch larva into the cage with it. I am unsure why it ate less each time a new larva was added and I would like to find out why this happened. I learned that in my experiment, Monarch larvae eat less with a companion and more when they are alone.
