Root fungi make or break monarchs’ chances against parasite
![monarch caterpillar](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ht_monarchfungiticker_free.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
Monarch caterpillars take in chemicals in their milkweed diet that help them fight of parasitic infections. Fungi around the plant's roots shape the levels of those chemicals that specific milkweed species produce.
Austin Thomason/Michigan Photography