RESOURCES & PUBLICATIONS
A short overview of the role of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in the lives of Danaus plexippus and some other insects; describes potential plant sources of PAs for monarchs; explores the many questions still to be answered about PA-gathering among monarchs; and outlines the goals of Monarch Rx.
Flow charts explaining how to observe and document monarchs gathering PAs, as well as instructions for baiting with plants.
Lawson N, Vane-Wright RI, Boppré M (2021) "The puzzle of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and their association with plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids," Ecological Entomology, 46: 999-1005. A paper about PA-pharmacophagy among Danaus plexippus and its closest relatives, with the goal of encouraging research into this peculiar type of insect-plant relationship.
Boppré M, Lawson N, Vane-Wright RI (2022) "Monarch butterflies gather pyrrolizidine alkaloids from dead and injured plants: a call for citizen science contributions," News of the Lepidopterists' Society, Vol. 64, No. 22. A detailed exploration into the history of such monarch-PA observations around the world; research on PAs and other insects; potential plant sources of PAs; possible defensive uses of PAs among monarchs; and what to look for when observing and baiting.
Boppré M, Julio Monzón (2023) "Baiting Insects with Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs): A Fieldwork-Oriented Review and Guide to PA-Pharmacophagy," Neotropical Entomology, Vol. 52, 781-801. A review and analysis of the history of records on the attraction of adult insects to PAs, and an explanation of the complex background information of PA-chemistry, PA-producing plants, and PA-sequestering insects. Includes practical tips for successful baiting with PAs.
*Featured image: A monarch gathering PAs from roots of blue mistflower baits in Syracuse, NY (Photo by Janet Allen)