Question

Why are monarch butterflies poisonous?

How do predators know they are poisonous?

How does a monarch's coloration help both the butterfly and the predator?

Answer 1

Monarchs eat a plant called milkweed, which is why they are sometimes called “milkweed butterflies.” Milkweed contains toxins that are not poisonous to Monarchs but are poisonous to other living things. These toxins that are a regular part of the Monarch butterfly's diet make them poisonous to predators.
...... Predators that taste their food will spit out a Monarch Butterfly. If they have the ability to vomit, after swallowing a Monarch predators will usually do so...... This coloration warns potential predators that the animal contains poisonous chemicals. Warning coloration may work particularly well in adult butterflies because the hard body and wings allows a predator to bite the adult, taste the poison, and release the butterfly without killing it.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

The milkweed plant also has high concentrations of cardiac glycosides in its sap. ... In addition, the caterpillar of the monarch butterfly dines exclusively on the sap of the milkweed plant, rendering both the caterpillar and butterfly mildly toxic as well.

Predators know that monarch butterflies are poisonous because of their bright coloration, which acts as a warning that they are poisonous.

This coloration warns potential predators that the animal contains poisonous chemicals. Warning coloration may work particularly well in adult butterflies because the hard body and wings allows a predator to bite the adult, taste the poison, and release the butterfly without killing it.