Hannibal – Five future teachers at Hannibal Lagrange University are studying the life processes of monarch butterflies this fall. Students are in a science education course taught by Courtney Janes, Assistant Professor of Education.

Janes shared information about how migratory monarch butterflies are classified as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A delicate butterfly, he can travel nearly 3,000 miles to his wintering grounds in Mexico. Over the last 30 years, these butterfly populations have declined by more than 80%. The main cause is the loss of native plants that butterflies feed on. Monarch butterflies, like other butterflies, are important pollinators and food sources for birds, other insects, and small animals. This project provides students of HLGU education with an opportunity to care for monarch butterflies and contribute to their conservation.

Each student started with at least two caterpillars and some eggs. The caterpillar eats milkweed leaves 2-3 times a day, so you have to find the milkweed. Students carry mesh cage habitats and floral tubes to class. They document the monarch’s journey from egg through her five stages of development to adulthood. This is her second year as an HLGU Teaching Science student participating in this project.

“We were lucky to find a lot of milkweed,” Janes said. “Monarch butterflies only lay eggs in milkweed. Many butterflies eat other things, but monarch butterflies only eat milkweed. None of the students had ever hunted or hunted, and they were all nervous about it.”

Janes said the students in this class are really famous on campus. Students may find that there is no milkweed at 6pm and have to find it. Responsibility is like being a parent, Dr. Janes pointed out. She believes it will be a great learning experience for both the student and her.

When the monarch reaches the butterfly stage, the students release it as a celebration. Perhaps as bittersweet as human parents releasing their adult children into society. “Students march under the arches[of the Bart Administration Building]and release them. In the fall, monarch butterflies fly to Mexico,” Janes said.

Courtney Bayer, an elementary education major, said: They are constantly eating, which makes them very similar to human babies. It’s amazing to see them grow at such a fast rate. Sometimes I would wake up and see that it seemed to have doubled in size overnight. Overall, raising monarchs was a fun learning experience. ”

“We were attached to butterflies. We named the boy ‘Kermit’ and the girl ‘Elsa.’ I didn’t think it would be that hard to release them, but they were. I will do it again with her sister. I recommend everyone to do it. You can learn a lot,” said Ke’la Zacarias-Campbell, a special education/early childhood student who was her classmate last fall.

HLGU student Savannah Morton, a special education major, raised one butterfly from an egg and got a second one after three weeks of development. “I got to see a lot of stages at once. When the pupae turn green you can see the golden lines and you can see the way they breathe. Sometimes the pupae can be completely gold. They are absolutely It’s beautiful,” said Morton.

“Courtney is really passionate about teaching,” said Kayla Meyer, Resident Director. “It’s cool to see the students so excited. They act like the butterflies are their children.” We thought it would be helpful to lead a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) camp.

“This adventure has taught me so much about who God is and how He cares for us. It points us towards great creators.” said Janes.

“So far, the experience of watching caterpillars transition to monarch butterflies and caring for them has been amazing,” said Leila Horne, an elementary education major. “I am amazed how God could create an animal that literally turns into another animal so unique.