About 24 hours before emerging, the bright green chrysalis of the monarch darkens, revealing the orange and black wings inside. Upon emergence, the monarch’s crumpled wings begin to expand as it pumps fluid into them and zips together the two parts of the proboscis, which functions like a drinking straw.

The monarch’s wings need to dry fully, hanging freely without any obstruction to ensure proper formation. Within half an hour, the wings are fully expanded.

While no growth occurs in the adult stage, monarchs must obtain nourishment to maintain their body and fuel for flight. They are not picky about their nectar sources and visit various flowers. Monarchs use vision to locate flowers and taste receptors on their feet to find nectar.