monarch butterfly

The wings of a certain butterfly begin with a milkweed. Now, scientists are looking to the often misunderstood plant to help prevent crop damage.

In the October-December 2016 issue of Weed Science, Cornell crop science professor Antonio DiTommaso says, "Managing crop pests without fully understanding the impacts of tactics -- related to resistance and non-target plants or insects -- costs producers money."

Monarch butterflies are truly one of nature's most marvelous creatures. They are the only insect that makes a 3,000 mile journey south for the winter. Unable to survive in frigid temperatures, they seek more favorable conditions. When they do, their winter resting place is a sight to behold.