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Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution
The fascinating and complex evolutionary relationship of the monarch butterfly and the milkweed plantMonarch butterflies are one of nature's most recognizable creatures, known for their bright colors and epic annual migration from the United States and Canada to Mexico. Yet there is much more to the monarch than its distinctive presence and mythic journeying. In Monarchs and Milkweed, Anurag Agrawal presents a vivid investigation into how the monarch butterfly has evolved closely alongside the milkweed—a toxic plant named for the sticky white substance emitted when its leaves are damaged—and how this inextricable and intimate relationship has been like an arms race over the millennia, a battle of exploitation and defense between two fascinating species.The monarch life cycle begins each spring when it deposits eggs on milkweed leaves. But this dependency of monarchs on milkweeds as food is not reciprocated, and milkweeds do all they can to poison or thwart the young monarchs. Agrawal delves into major scientific discoveries, including his own pioneering research, and traces how plant poisons have not only shaped monarch-milkweed interactions but have also been culturally important for centuries. Agrawal presents current ideas regarding the recent decline in monarch populations, including habitat destruction, increased winter storms, and lack of milkweed—the last one a theory that the author rejects. He evaluates the current sustainability of monarchs and reveals a novel explanation for their plummeting numbers.Lavishly illustrated with more than eighty color photos and images, Monarchs and Milkweed takes readers on an unforgettable exploration of one of nature's most important and sophisticated evolutionary relationships.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 7, 2019
Although the thematics of Anurag Agrawal's Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution of course really do interest me, I am truth be told very glad that this has been a library and not a purchased book, as I am simply not even one bit enjoying how Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution has been penned and am therefore "dumping" it and returning the book to the library (and with no regret whatsoever). For indeed and in my humble opinion, with Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution Anurag Agrawal's writing style, his method of textual expression is both tedious and rambling and even worse, there is obviously also an arrogant assumption by the author that all of his readers will be familiar with life science and in particular with botany and zoological related jargon.
Now honestly and truly, I actually generally do not mind perusing non-fiction scientific texts that are a bit dry and dense (and that I actually would even very much expect this). However, since Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution obviously seems to be considered as not just reading fare for experts in biology, but also and equally for the general reading public, Anurag Agrawal really should be striving to make his narrative, his printed words easily and readily understood by a general readership, which has from where I stand most definitely not been the case, as I was hopelessly lost by page forty or so and so massively annoyed and frustrated that I just had to quit, that I ended up stopping my perusal of Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution).
And although I am of course not going to be judging Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution with regard to its content and the author's theories and opinions regarding monarch butterflies and milkweed (as yes indeed, I have definitely not read enough of the presented text to be able and willing to do this), from how much I have not enjoyed Anurag Agrawal's writing style (his overuse of jargon, his deliberate seeming textual confusion for those readers not well versed in the life sciences and the strange fact that Agrawal also includes idiomatic English vernacular that in my opinion has no place in a seriously scientific document, such as for example using the verb "to barf" instead of say to "regurgatate" with regard to birds not being able to consume monarch butterflies), I do not at all feel guilty rating Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution with but one star (for an in my opinion simply dismal writing style that has not only disappointed me but also made me stop cold with my peruasal, has made me quit with massive growling).
Now honestly and truly, I actually generally do not mind perusing non-fiction scientific texts that are a bit dry and dense (and that I actually would even very much expect this). However, since Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution obviously seems to be considered as not just reading fare for experts in biology, but also and equally for the general reading public, Anurag Agrawal really should be striving to make his narrative, his printed words easily and readily understood by a general readership, which has from where I stand most definitely not been the case, as I was hopelessly lost by page forty or so and so massively annoyed and frustrated that I just had to quit, that I ended up stopping my perusal of Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution).
And although I am of course not going to be judging Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution with regard to its content and the author's theories and opinions regarding monarch butterflies and milkweed (as yes indeed, I have definitely not read enough of the presented text to be able and willing to do this), from how much I have not enjoyed Anurag Agrawal's writing style (his overuse of jargon, his deliberate seeming textual confusion for those readers not well versed in the life sciences and the strange fact that Agrawal also includes idiomatic English vernacular that in my opinion has no place in a seriously scientific document, such as for example using the verb "to barf" instead of say to "regurgatate" with regard to birds not being able to consume monarch butterflies), I do not at all feel guilty rating Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution with but one star (for an in my opinion simply dismal writing style that has not only disappointed me but also made me stop cold with my peruasal, has made me quit with massive growling).
May 18, 2018
I read this with my 1oth grade AP Biology class. It covers material that I struggle to get to in class, so it was a great supplement to standard course activities. The students appreciated the numerous illustrations and graphs that helped them grasp material that is fairly advanced for a 16 year old. I enjoyed the author's inclusion of conflict and process in the scientific field of monarch research. My student reading groups had a number of lively discussion of these and other topics presented in the book.
November 30, 2018
Disappointing. A beautiful physical object, with some lovely photos, but the writing is often redundant and could have used some careful editing. It's just not the kind of lively and engaging science writing I look for. Sue Halpern's Four Wings and a Prayer was better.
March 3, 2018
Agrawal is a true renaissance writer that collects stories from all over science, art, world literature, and history to bring the amazing co-evolution history of multiple organisms to light. The stories are told with plenty of humor, and little self-deprecation to make science (especially organic chemistry) less scary. He dispels the myth of monarchs not being pollinator of milkweed despite the long fascination of government entities both domestic and foreign), and includes many other beautiful and fascinating vignettes that are a joy to read.
The main “story of co-evolution” between monarchs and milkweeds is multi-layered with plenty of dramatic death, destruction, and tough survivorship. Agrawal describes each detail with patient observations of natural history seldom practiced today. Reading these observations leaves one with the feeling of being taken out in the fields of Upstate New York and Ontario in the hot sun making the observations alongside him.
The book also includes other members of the community that live on the milkweeds as well. Like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat, Agrawal pulls example after example of convergent evolution of other insects that also depend on milkweeds. The amazing examples range wide in scale large enough to be seen by the naked eye (body coloration) to micro (exact same DNA sequences) found among different insects to tolerate the toxic milkweeds. After learning about the amazing convergent evolution, the even more astonishing interactions are revealed such as how weevils do evils to monarchs and how aphids suck while monarchs rule.
One allure of monarchs is their migration. The amazing journey of an animal weighing less than a dollar bill, traveling a distance that can be observed from space is described alongside beautiful artwork. The historical rivalry between the zoologist chasing the migration route and the entomologist studying monarch predation is a fun read.
As with all things, the more one learns, the more fascinating the world becomes. Monarchs and Milkweed will give you the information to sow the seed of a life long appreciation and curiosity for the amazing organisms in our backyards.
The main “story of co-evolution” between monarchs and milkweeds is multi-layered with plenty of dramatic death, destruction, and tough survivorship. Agrawal describes each detail with patient observations of natural history seldom practiced today. Reading these observations leaves one with the feeling of being taken out in the fields of Upstate New York and Ontario in the hot sun making the observations alongside him.
The book also includes other members of the community that live on the milkweeds as well. Like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat, Agrawal pulls example after example of convergent evolution of other insects that also depend on milkweeds. The amazing examples range wide in scale large enough to be seen by the naked eye (body coloration) to micro (exact same DNA sequences) found among different insects to tolerate the toxic milkweeds. After learning about the amazing convergent evolution, the even more astonishing interactions are revealed such as how weevils do evils to monarchs and how aphids suck while monarchs rule.
One allure of monarchs is their migration. The amazing journey of an animal weighing less than a dollar bill, traveling a distance that can be observed from space is described alongside beautiful artwork. The historical rivalry between the zoologist chasing the migration route and the entomologist studying monarch predation is a fun read.
As with all things, the more one learns, the more fascinating the world becomes. Monarchs and Milkweed will give you the information to sow the seed of a life long appreciation and curiosity for the amazing organisms in our backyards.
June 30, 2017
This book was a beautiful, in depth account of both Monarchs and Milkweed. Expertly written, it was completely captivating. The amount of information, and the attention to detail, was outstanding without being boring. Honestly, I loved this book.
It truly amazed me that despite all the facts that we know about Monarchs - that the author actually had space to say - there's more research to be done! He basically gave several starting points for budding scientists to research.
I also appreciated Agrawal's honesty. Towards the end of the book when he gets into the reasons for Monarch decline - he never says, this is the reason why. He looks at the plausible reasons and gives his opinion one way or the other. Agrawal admits early on that there is more research to be done in order to know if all the likely causes are the causes to Monarch decline. Basically, he does not feel that Milkweed decline is severe enough to account for the drops in Monarch population. Instead, he asserts there is still plenty of Milkweed to go around (which, I believe but please, let's not let these businesses and corporations run with that idea.. because it's likely a very this could become a larger cause than it is now). Instead Agrawal believes that it is the lack of nectar high in lipids to accommodate for overwintering that may be the biggest cause in the fall of Monarchs. From what I read, not just here but in other texts, it seems most likely it is a combination effect of the loss of Milkweed, the loss of forest (where overwintering occurs), and the loss of nectar - and who knows what else was lost or threatened, really - that is contributing to the changes in population.
Highly recommend this read for any nature lovers.
It truly amazed me that despite all the facts that we know about Monarchs - that the author actually had space to say - there's more research to be done! He basically gave several starting points for budding scientists to research.
I also appreciated Agrawal's honesty. Towards the end of the book when he gets into the reasons for Monarch decline - he never says, this is the reason why. He looks at the plausible reasons and gives his opinion one way or the other. Agrawal admits early on that there is more research to be done in order to know if all the likely causes are the causes to Monarch decline. Basically, he does not feel that Milkweed decline is severe enough to account for the drops in Monarch population. Instead, he asserts there is still plenty of Milkweed to go around (which, I believe but please, let's not let these businesses and corporations run with that idea.. because it's likely a very this could become a larger cause than it is now). Instead Agrawal believes that it is the lack of nectar high in lipids to accommodate for overwintering that may be the biggest cause in the fall of Monarchs. From what I read, not just here but in other texts, it seems most likely it is a combination effect of the loss of Milkweed, the loss of forest (where overwintering occurs), and the loss of nectar - and who knows what else was lost or threatened, really - that is contributing to the changes in population.
Highly recommend this read for any nature lovers.
January 7, 2017
A white, yellow, and black-striped caterpillar is transformed into a beautiful black, orange, and multi-colored butterfly. The author traces the migration and transformation from a caterpillar eating a milkweed leaf, to a chrysalis undergoing metamorphosis, to the emerging butterfly and its migration. Although the writing is at an eleventh grade level, the first person presentation is easy to follow and understand. Besides the general reader, the book is appropriate for general public, high school, and academic library collections. Color photographs suitable for framing and figures highlight key points. Extensive endnotes by chapter include page numbers, comments, and source material. A list of illustrations, acknowledgments, image credits, and an index are included.
May 18, 2017
I now know what a caterpillar looks like inside. I am not fond of caterpillars, that is, they are fine on plants but I really don't want to see one. As a child, my walk to school was under a mulberry tree that each year was infested by tree caterpillars several inches long (at least in my recollection), with white bristles, two black longer bristle clusters at front and end and large red "eyes". They dropped from the tree and often on me. One nightmare I had was riding my bike down the street and every tree dropped caterpillars on me. So while intellectually I was interested in seeing a caterpillar dissected, my id was not! (The photo is on page 121.)
That aside this is an excellent book for all devoted to monarch butterflies. I found out that their decline in numbers is not due primarily, at least, to the loss of milkweed due to herbicides, planting methods, etc. Rather the drop in numbers occurs in the fourth generation as it flies back from its summer sites to the Mexican winter refuge. The reasons as yet are not determined, but definitely concerning. Other important points: populations have been established abroad, in the south Pacific, Spain, Australia, for example. (What the ecological impacts will be in these countries is unknown.) So these places are sources for restocking monarchs (provided they have not picked up diseases abroad).
Also interesting is learning about the predators of the insect and predators on the various species of milkweed. The explanation for how the caterpillar and the ensuing butterfly are able to concentrate the poisonous milkweed's toxin, and where in their bodies they concentrate it, is clear and understandable without the reader's needing to know a lot about microbiology. Also interesting is the "arms' race" between the milkweed and butterfly in terms of increasing toxicity and ability to cope with this increase.
Agrawal writes for the general public but offers up to date information; he is one of the leading researchers for this insect. He indicates where more research is needed and acknowledges all the assistance and contributions he has received from and with other scientists. Certainly a book to read if you are concerned for this butterfly.
That aside this is an excellent book for all devoted to monarch butterflies. I found out that their decline in numbers is not due primarily, at least, to the loss of milkweed due to herbicides, planting methods, etc. Rather the drop in numbers occurs in the fourth generation as it flies back from its summer sites to the Mexican winter refuge. The reasons as yet are not determined, but definitely concerning. Other important points: populations have been established abroad, in the south Pacific, Spain, Australia, for example. (What the ecological impacts will be in these countries is unknown.) So these places are sources for restocking monarchs (provided they have not picked up diseases abroad).
Also interesting is learning about the predators of the insect and predators on the various species of milkweed. The explanation for how the caterpillar and the ensuing butterfly are able to concentrate the poisonous milkweed's toxin, and where in their bodies they concentrate it, is clear and understandable without the reader's needing to know a lot about microbiology. Also interesting is the "arms' race" between the milkweed and butterfly in terms of increasing toxicity and ability to cope with this increase.
Agrawal writes for the general public but offers up to date information; he is one of the leading researchers for this insect. He indicates where more research is needed and acknowledges all the assistance and contributions he has received from and with other scientists. Certainly a book to read if you are concerned for this butterfly.
July 29, 2023
When my husband gifted me a small corner of our new urban yard to use as a garden I was faced with a dilemma, what do I do with it. It didn't take long to settle on growing milkweed for monarchs. I'd witnessed the fall migration passing through Austin, Tx, and had an overnight roost of butterflies in our trees in Bishop Hill, IL. I was sold. Getting my neighbors on board took a little more time. Now I get compliments on the sweet aroma of flowering milkweed and the pleasant sight of fluttering adults.
Along the way I've had many years of learning the ins and outs of raising several types of milkweed and how to manage some of the dangers that lie in wait for monarch caterpillars. Everything about these experiences have been amazing: from discovering parasitic flies to witnessing the metamorphosis to adult monarch.
Now, I have to include Anurag Agrawal's book, Monarchs and Milkweed, as an amazing discovery for my monarch education. I've gotten new information on pests, OE, and butterfly behavior. I've had several of my thoughts based on my observations confirmed. I have a new outlook on moving forward due to the interplay of toxic plants and an insect as a herbivore that Agrawal has provided.
There's a treasure trove of information and the science to back it up. Yes, there were times when I had to make myself keep reading. It was worth it to get a better understanding of the chemical interplay of the pertinent toxins and the monarch's defensive adaptations. A chemical arms race is not a bad analogy.
The quality of the printed hardcover book was impressive. As were the photos. Agrawal and his crew of supporters have created an important and lasting contribution to monarch research for years to come. Five stars is not enough.
Along the way I've had many years of learning the ins and outs of raising several types of milkweed and how to manage some of the dangers that lie in wait for monarch caterpillars. Everything about these experiences have been amazing: from discovering parasitic flies to witnessing the metamorphosis to adult monarch.
Now, I have to include Anurag Agrawal's book, Monarchs and Milkweed, as an amazing discovery for my monarch education. I've gotten new information on pests, OE, and butterfly behavior. I've had several of my thoughts based on my observations confirmed. I have a new outlook on moving forward due to the interplay of toxic plants and an insect as a herbivore that Agrawal has provided.
There's a treasure trove of information and the science to back it up. Yes, there were times when I had to make myself keep reading. It was worth it to get a better understanding of the chemical interplay of the pertinent toxins and the monarch's defensive adaptations. A chemical arms race is not a bad analogy.
The quality of the printed hardcover book was impressive. As were the photos. Agrawal and his crew of supporters have created an important and lasting contribution to monarch research for years to come. Five stars is not enough.
January 18, 2020
This book is fascinating. I love the way Anurag writes. He imparts scientific data, research and information in a readable format. And for those of us who haven't been exposed to organic chemistry since our college days, he does a nice, easily understood review. Which was pretty necessary to understand the host plant, the Milkweed, and how it interacts with the butterfly. I learned so much and can't quit blabbing to my friends about the Monarch. We have carefully been following a host plant, it's caterpillars and Chrysalis that is near our library, and documenting our visits with pictures. Now I am more keen to follow, on a daily basis, what I have designated numero uno Caterpillar, who seems to be quite healthy. I hope to see when he or she becomes a Chrysalis. Sadly, I still have many questions about our Monarch, here in Kaulua Kona. Obviously it doesn't migrate to Mexico or Florida. But now that it is cooler, I don't see them flitting around our back yard. A little note, a trip to Oahu might be in order as 10% of their Monarchs are a white morphs. Read the book, if you have any interest at all. It is so good.
October 30, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
I love seeing butterflies flitting around in the summer, especially the gloriously colored monarchs, but those sightings are becoming more and more rare every year. I chose this book because I wanted to learn more about them and their habitat.
I learned a lot more than expected - maybe too much more? - which is generally a good thing when I'm reading nonfiction. I had no idea that there's more than one kind of milkweed, or that the monarchs' migration to Mexico and back again isn't completed by the same individuals but by subsequent generations of those who began the migration. The accompanying photos (a PDF came with the audiobook) are gorgeous, but I feel this book would be a better fit for an academic library or even a textbook than for the general public with an interest in monarch butterflies.
The book was published seven years ago, and I have to wonder if the author's conclusions regarding the survival of the species has changed since then. It *was encouraging to learn that there are monarchs thriving in areas other than North America and as a result, are not in danger of extinction, but how long will they continue to thrive?
I love seeing butterflies flitting around in the summer, especially the gloriously colored monarchs, but those sightings are becoming more and more rare every year. I chose this book because I wanted to learn more about them and their habitat.
I learned a lot more than expected - maybe too much more? - which is generally a good thing when I'm reading nonfiction. I had no idea that there's more than one kind of milkweed, or that the monarchs' migration to Mexico and back again isn't completed by the same individuals but by subsequent generations of those who began the migration. The accompanying photos (a PDF came with the audiobook) are gorgeous, but I feel this book would be a better fit for an academic library or even a textbook than for the general public with an interest in monarch butterflies.
The book was published seven years ago, and I have to wonder if the author's conclusions regarding the survival of the species has changed since then. It *was encouraging to learn that there are monarchs thriving in areas other than North America and as a result, are not in danger of extinction, but how long will they continue to thrive?
November 22, 2020
The world of monarchs and milkweed has been a new world for me over the past couple of years. I had heard of their decline and plight for a number of years and over the past six years we planted as much milkweed as we could. A few years ago Emily and I attended a lecture that gave us a window into their lives and this fall things opened up with me bringing a number of monarch caterpillars into the house and harvesting milkweed for them. Seeing them transform was almost a spiritual experience and releasing was them was amazing.
I picked up this book to help me understand their world and the relationship between the milkweed and monarch. It was fascinating and I enjoyed it. Slow reading at times and I skimmed it a bit, but the photos were fantastic and I loved the stories.
I would recommend it to anyone wanting to understand these fascinating creators more.
I picked up this book to help me understand their world and the relationship between the milkweed and monarch. It was fascinating and I enjoyed it. Slow reading at times and I skimmed it a bit, but the photos were fantastic and I loved the stories.
I would recommend it to anyone wanting to understand these fascinating creators more.
January 30, 2025
I LOVED this book! I will also own I am a huge biology nerd and that was my major in college. The book reads well with enough technical matter to feel like you’re learning what’s really happening with monarchs and milkweed and not missing anything because the author dumbed it down. In fact, he gives suggestions on where more research needs to happen—in case there’s a future grad student or scientist reading.
Agrawal is very organized and clear in his scientific writing but also personable and connected to the wonder of the natural world. It is inspiring me to find out how I can volunteer doing monarch tagging.
Most mind blowing fact: monarchs do not pollinate milkweed. You’re welcome. Read the book for more.
Agrawal is very organized and clear in his scientific writing but also personable and connected to the wonder of the natural world. It is inspiring me to find out how I can volunteer doing monarch tagging.
Most mind blowing fact: monarchs do not pollinate milkweed. You’re welcome. Read the book for more.
December 5, 2019
Solid academic reading for the Monarch enthusiast.
Great insight into the coevolution of the Monarch butterfly and milkweed.
Learned some chemistry -mostly above my head.
Also explores the factors affecting the decline in Monarch populations in the Eastern United States. The author concludes two things in my opinion clearly: The greatest reduction in Monarch numbers occurs during the autumn migration; and that milkweed limitation is not the main cause of the decline in Monarchs.
Very interesting, highly recommend.
Great insight into the coevolution of the Monarch butterfly and milkweed.
Learned some chemistry -mostly above my head.
Also explores the factors affecting the decline in Monarch populations in the Eastern United States. The author concludes two things in my opinion clearly: The greatest reduction in Monarch numbers occurs during the autumn migration; and that milkweed limitation is not the main cause of the decline in Monarchs.
Very interesting, highly recommend.
October 31, 2017
An in-depth review of both historical and current research on coevolution strategies between monarchs (and other insects) and milkweed. The author offers explanations of how certain kinds of research where done which is interesting to a non-researcher. The author's writing style is engaging and personal but there were parts of the book that I skimmed and even skipped because I thought too much detail was included.
Drives home the importance of coevolution relationships.
Drives home the importance of coevolution relationships.
May 23, 2023
If you read one scientific work on butterflies while your kid works their way through a live catepillar kit, make it this one. Engagingly written, the book covers evolutionary biology, scientific feuds, and weird animal sex. Agrawal doesn't shy away from the technical language, but provides engaging stories and mysteries. I would absolutely recommend as a text for high school or college biology or technical writing class.
June 24, 2018
A great read bringing to light the perspective of milkweed in this relationship. Although it is disappointing that the author did really emphasize the Indigenous knowledge of milkweed, this is unfortunately much too common with natural scientists. Some readers may also not agree with the author’s conclusion that “milkweed declines” is the primary cause for monarch declines.
December 10, 2018
Very interesting book about butterflies and milkweed evolved together and sometimes three or forhundr d years ago they started migrating..milkweeds are poisonous plant which seem to not hurt butterflies. The white stuff is lat x good book as a farm girl I used a hoe on them thinking they were just weeds
October 3, 2019
You may have to like biology and nature to appreciate this book. The author, Anurag Agrawal, is a professor of Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Entomology at Cornell University. His writing is clear and informative so that a layman can understand and follow his logic. The relationship between the Monarch and Milkweed was fascinating.
April 4, 2023
Excellent book from start to finish. Very well researched. One of my pet peeves are authors who don't address conflicting information with any type of sincerity - this author not only offers points of view other than their own, but seriously addresses their possibilities even while personally disagreeing. Definitely gives the author credibility. Highly recommend.
September 9, 2017
A scholarly work with more information than I'll ever need. Yet, if I did, it's all here presented with readable and appealing charts. The author's conclusion on the decrease of Monarchs in North America is that it is probably due more to deforestation in Mexico than lack of milkweed.
July 31, 2022
Fantastic book about the natural history of monarch butterflies and their relationship with milkweed. Wonderful to read about the ecosystem surrounding milkweed. Must read for anyone loving monarch butterflies.
June 28, 2024
This book gave me a much deeper appreciation of monarch butterflies migration/life cycle and their coevolution with milkweed, as well as their unique threats from and vulnerabilities to climate change.
July 24, 2024
Many nature books hold back from giving too much scientific detail, in case it scares off the casual reader. This book very much does not do that. It's got all the science, all the detail, all the charts and info you could ever want on these butterflies and plants, while also giving the sense that the author could probably fill five more books with his exuberant knowledge.
August 3, 2025
What a fascinating read about all the research about monarchs and milkweed. I learned so much. I felt it wasn't difficult to read which it could have been since it was written by someone with a lot of knowledge about the subject.
August 26, 2017
More technical than I was expecting, but presents very interesting hypotheses on Monarch decline.
November 16, 2018
Absolutely fascinating hard science but an annoying amount of evolution.
January 8, 2019
This is a scientific book but written in a completely approachable way. Fascinating!
April 6, 2020
Good. Heavy on academics and related "sciency" terminology. Might have been designed as a text book.
Learned a lot from it at a science layman level. Fascinating creatures.
Learned a lot from it at a science layman level. Fascinating creatures.
Read
January 1, 2021DNF'd 20%
September 3, 2021
really brings the significant difficulties american indians have in the USA. Very personal story.
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