Spring Ephemerals
What does the term ephemeral mean in the context of plants?
It means short-lived; these plants grow, flower, and die back quickly in early spring.
What is a warbler, and why are they difficult for birders to identify?
Warblers are small, colorful songbirds. They are hard to identify because many look similar.
What is a vernal pool, and how is it different from a pond?
A vernal pool is a temporary body of water that forms in spring and dries up later, unlike a permanent pond.
What months does spring bird migration usually occur in Wisconsin?
March through May.
Describe the life cycle of a monarch butterfly.
Egg → larva (caterpillar) → pupa (chrysalis) → adult butterfly.
Why do spring ephemerals grow in early spring instead of summer?
They take advantage of full sunlight before tree leaves block the light.
Why is Wisconsin an important place for seeing warblers during spring migration?
Wisconsin is on the Mississippi Flyway, a major migration route.
Why are vernal pools important for amphibians like frogs and salamanders?
They provide fish-free breeding grounds that are safe for amphibian eggs and larvae.
Why do birds migrate to Wisconsin in the spring?
To breed and find food after wintering in warmer climates.
How far do monarchs migrate, and where do they go for the winter?
Up to 2,500 miles; they migrate to central Mexico.
Name two examples of spring ephemerals found in Wisconsin.
Answers Vary.. Trillium, Dutchman's Breeches, Jack in the Pulpit, etc.
Name two identifying features you can use to tell different warbler species apart.
Plumage color/pattern and song or call.
Name two animals commonly found in vernal pools and explain their uses of the pool.
Wood frogs (breed and lay eggs), fairy shrimp (live entire life cycle in the pool before it dries up).Various salamanders, and other amphibians.
Name two types of birds that migrate to Wisconsin in spring and when they typically arrive.
Answers Vary.. Example: Ruby-throated hummingbirds (late April), Baltimore orioles (early May).
Why is milkweed so important to monarch butterflies?
It is the only plant monarch caterpillars eat and where females lay their eggs.
Why are bees more important than butterflies or hummingbirds for pollinating spring ephemerals?
Bees are active early in spring, while butterflies and hummingbirds come later when ephemerals are already fading.
Choose one Wisconsin warbler species and describe its appearance and preferred habitat.
Example: Black-and-white Warbler – black-and-white striped plumage; prefers mature forests where it creeps along tree trunks.
Why don’t vernal pools have fish in them, and why is that important?
They dry up, so fish can't survive. This prevents fish from eating amphibian eggs and larvae.
What are two tools birds use to help them navigate during migration?
The sun/stars and Earth’s magnetic field.
What are two major threats monarchs face, and explain how each one affects them.
Pesticide use (kills milkweed and caterpillars), climate change (disrupts migration and breeding timing).
Describe the life cycle of a spring ephemeral plant.
Sprouts early in spring → blooms → sets seed → leaves die back by early summer → survives underground as root/bulb until next year.
Provide the visual clues and fun fact for a specific species of Warbler.
Ex: Yellow Warbler: Bright yellow body with reddish streaks on the chest. Their song sounds like “sweet-sweet-sweet, I’m so sweet!”
How long do vernal pools typically last each year?
A few weeks to a few months.
What are two threats to migrating birds and how do they impact migration?
Habitat loss (fewer stopover sites), light pollution (disorients birds at night and leads to collisions).
What is the genus of the monarch butterfly?
Danaus