Assistant Professor Micah Freedman, who joined the University of Toronto’s Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology in July 2024, is building upon U of T’s long-standing legacy of Monarch butterfly research. His work focuses on the relationship between Monarchs and milkweed plants, particularly how the butterflies absorb toxic compounds from the plants as a defense mechanism against predators. This specialization makes Monarchs unpalatable to birds, ensuring their survival.

Freedman’s research also explores the environmental cues that trigger Monarch migration. His PhD student, Adam Kai Chi Lee, is investigating factors such as temperature, daylight duration, and plant chemistry to understand how butterflies transition from a reproductive state to a migratory one in late summer. By simulating different environmental conditions in a controlled lab setting, they aim to determine which factors signal the onset of migration.

Another aspect of Freedman’s work involves chemical “fingerprinting” to trace Monarch migration routes. Since different milkweed species grow in distinct geographic regions, analyzing the chemical composition of Monarchs’ bodies can reveal their origins and movement patterns. To refine this method, Freedman is cultivating Monarch caterpillars in a greenhouse on specific milkweed species to build a reference database of chemical signatures.

To support Monarch populations in southern Ontario, Freedman encourages planting milkweed and nectar-rich flowers, which provide essential resources for breeding and migration.

For more details, see the full article on A&S News.