Migration: Movement of a species from one climate to another for survival.
Milkweed: Host plant for Monarchs, eggs are laid on host plants and it is the food for the caterpillars.
E.L.F.: Egg-laying Female.
Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Egg, Caterpillar (larva), Chrysalis (pupa), Butterfly (adult)
Metamorphosis: Transformation from one form of life to another.
Larva: The second stage of life, also known as a caterpillar, Monarch caterpillars grow and molt five times. (Five Instars)
Molting: Monarch caterpillars grow and shed their skin when it becomes too small.
Instar: The stages of growth and molting for a caterpillar, Monarchs have five instars.
J. Hang: Fifth instar caterpillars hang in the shape of a letter J to form the Chrysalis.
Pupate: To change from Larva stage (caterpillar) to a pupa (chrysalis).
Chrysalis: Butterfly Pupa. The transformation stage and protective covering between caterpillar and adult. Monarchs are Jade green.
Cocoon: Moth Pupa. The transformation stage and protective covering between caterpillar and adult. Moths are covered in silk.
Eclose: (ee-close) To emerge from the chrysalis or pupal form.
Super Generation: Final generation of Monarchs, can live up to eight or nine months, migrate thousands of miles and will not reproduce until migration is completed the following spring.