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A Seed of Beauty: Geeta's Reflection

Geeta Dey

By Geeta Dey, RTR Reflection Winner & Herricks High School Sophomore


Student surveying milkweed site for monarch eggs and larva observations
Geeta searching for monarch eggs and larva at the Science Museum of Long Island monarch waystation.

A caterpillar's transformation is not unknown, yet at first glance, the entire feat seemed unimaginable. How could some insect sludge turn into ethereal wings of black, white, and orange? In a matter of days, I observed the evolution of my two caterpillars into butterflies. At first, I caught glimpses of them climbing up to the net's top and forming a J-hang. Their stripes had been replaced by a shade of vibrant green. However, when I checked on the chrysalis again, only one butterfly had emerged. The other chrysalis maintained an opaque black color (a sign of illness). What caused the other chrysalis to become ill? This was shocking for me since I cleaned the nets and the container frequently. Raising this butterfly, I realized how vulnerable monarch butterflies are to the environment. If by accident they are exposed to any harmful substance, their metamorphosis would be in danger at any stage. By the end of the day, I had learned more than the developmental stages of metamorphosis; I had learned about the threats that monarch butterflies face and how their dwindling population affects the environment. 

Student recording monarch eggs and larva observations for community science
Geeta recording monarch and milkweed observations for the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project at the ReWild Dodge Garden.

My insight on monarch butterflies had changed from before; I had learned that each organism plays a vital role in the environment, no matter how small or large. After releasing the butterflies at the Science Museum of Long Island, I noticed that the monarch butterflies are attracted to the Joe-Pye-weed. They are a crucial pollinator for a variety of plants. Therefore, the absence of one organism is going to affect other organisms. If monarchs became extinct, there would be decreasing populations of some birds, wasps, and other animals that feed on monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies are vital in ensuring a healthy ecosystem, which provides us with beautiful flowers on our lawns and the food we eat. Preserving the monarch butterfly population is essential for the environment and people. 


By living in a world where wildlife is slowly disappearing, I am learning the significance of their absence. Within the amount of time I spent with my caterpillars, I realized how susceptible they are to danger. For example, I had most recently looked into what caused the Black Death. Through this experience, I could familiarize myself with an array of pathogens in nature. Moreover, increasing my understanding of plants and animals, such as butterflies, is beneficial in earning a degree in biology. The conservation could be accelerated by other biological applications, such as chemicals that can kill parasites. 

Student releasing a captive-reared monarch butterfly
Geeta tagging and releasing her first monarch butterfly.

From this project, I realized how interconnected we are with nature. Insects, such as monarch butterflies, are as susceptible to diseases and parasites as humans are. Little by little, I am shifting my perspective of nature. There is more to be captivated than by the beauty that surrounds us. As I watched my butterfly flutter away, I realized that a seed of beauty requires patience and time to blossom. Besides biology and a butterfly’s metamorphosis, I also learned that each effort in life will bring change through time.


 

Stay tuned for more RTR Student Reflections on the Monarch Moments blog!

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