Both monarch (Danaus plexippus) and queen (Danaus gilippus) butterflies rely on milkweed (Asclepias spp.) as a larval host plant. With high milkweed diversity in Arizona and the Southwest, there are many species to choose from, each with varying levels and types of plant defenses. While these butterflies rely on some benefits from ingested plant toxins, environmental conditions can impact host plant quality. The Dryland Plant Ecophysiology Lab and collaborators are exploring host plant preferences of these two butterflies, and how extreme heat and drought might impact preferences, host plant quality and health and butterfly survival. This information will help us better plan for and support conservation in the Southwest.
Selected recent publications:
Pegram KV, Melkonoff NA. (2020) Assessing preference and survival of Danaus plexippus on two western species of Asclepias. Journal Insect Conservation. 24:287–295.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-019-00197-z.
Prudic KL, Cruz TMP, Winzer JIB, Oliver JC, Melkonoff NA, Verbais H, Hogan A. (2022) Botanical Gardens Are Local Hotspots for Urban Butterflies in Arid Environments. Insects 13, 865. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100865.
Recent funding sources:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bureau of Land Management
Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Foundation
