How Do Monarch Butterflies Use a Magnetic Compass?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do monarch butterflies use a magnetic compass?

The Big Idea

Every fall, monarch butterflies fly thousands of miles to Mexico. Even though they are tiny, they find their way to the very same forests. Let's find out which compasses they use!

The Sun Compass

Step one: the Sun compass. Monarch butterflies fly thousands of miles to Mexico each fall. They mainly use the Sun like a compass.

A Magnetic Backup

Step two: a magnetic backup. Scientists have found that monarchs can also sense Earth's magnetic field. This helps them keep going in the right direction on cloudy days.

Light and Proteins

Step three: light and proteins. The magnetic sense seems to depend on light. So it may work through special proteins in their eyes.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Sun is the main compass. The magnetic sense is a backup. It helps on cloudy days. It may use proteins in the eyes.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! No single monarch has made the trip before. Each new group follows the route by instinct. The magnetic sense helps on cloudy days. They end up in the same forests of Mexico.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw a map with a monarch's route from Canada to Mexico. Add a sun symbol. Add a magnet symbol. Show two tools it can use. Write down what you notice, and share it with a grown-up.

Outro

Monarch butterflies use the Sun as a compass, with a magnetic sense as a backup on cloudy days. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!