OKC Zoo Scientist Investigating Strange Zombie Butterfly Phenomenon
It seems the Oklahoma City Zoo has been up to some very spooky things this fall. While caretakers have been entertaining visitors during the Haunt The Zoo experience, scientists have been investigating some very real and creepy phenomenons involving the headless butterflies.
The Marie Antoinette Phenomenon in Monarch Butterflies
Recently, one of the Oklahoma City Zoo scientists delved farther into the creepiest phenomenons in monarch butterflies: headless zombie butterflies. The Marie Antoinette Phenomenon describes the butterfly's ability to function without a head. Conservation Scientists Dr. Emily Geest wrote a paper, published in the notable American Entomologist recently, about the possibilities of this weird finding.
In a press release, Dr. Geest recalled seeing the phenomenon a few times, first dismissing it as a rare occurence. "When it first showed up, I thought, ‘Well, that’s weird.’ And then it kept showing up, which means maybe there’s something to this,” she said. “The big question is: is this because they’ve lost their heads, or is it genetics?" Dr. Geest's investigation is published and is available here.
Oklahoma's Catering To Monarch Butterflies
@okczoo Fall means its time for the butterflies! We’re so excited to be tagging monarchs for our 32nd year and if you’re at the Zoo then you can help us too! #monarchs #butterflies #monarchmigration #okczoo #conservation #oklahoma ♬ vibey birds of a feather - Jordan Greenwald
Monarch butterflies are very important and appreciated in Oklahoma. Many towns, like Lawton, have areas specfically curated to what monarchs need while staying the in the state. In fact, every fall in Oklahoma is known as Monarch Migration season.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is also one of the parks that has a designated garden with plants tailored to the Monarch Butterfly's needs. Every year, it is also used as a "Monarch Waystation" and has been a tagging point for monarchs for over 20 years.
Oklahoma's Contribution To Monarch's Decline
@alexfasulobiz We have to care about this now or the is TOAST!!!! I don’t know about you, but I don’t see a point to anything if we destroy the flora and fauna that make this world amazing. Plant native flowers. Leave milkweed. Plant pumpkins! These guys drink the water off the pumpkin leaves. #farmlife #homesteading #barndominium #farmtok #community #butterfly ♬ original sound - Alex Fasulo
Over the years, it's been very noticable that Monarch Butterflies are becoming more rare to see. Not only are cities making special areas for these species to thrive, but landowners are encouraged to do their part of conservation. Monarch butterflies need:
- Milkweed
- Native Plants
- Safe area to lay and eat, away from vehicles and traffic
If you'd like to learn more about the phenomenon or simply how you can attract monarchs to your area, visit the Oklahoma City Zoo and their Monarch Garden. Talk with their scientists, like Dr. Geest, and learn how you can keep the headless and headed monarchs around.
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