MONARK
BUTTERFLY
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Monarch
Butterflies
If you were
asked to name a type of butterfly, what picture and name would
come to mind? Of the most common varieties in North America
the
Monark Butterfly awareness impact is pretty high. They are
big (up to 4 inch wingspan), colorful (bright orange and black with
white
spots), and famous for their annual monarch migration.
What is the only insect that doesn't cause you to hide inside when they are swarming your neighborhood? Who helps the bees and hummingbirds pollinate the flowers .... Monarch Butterflies.
While many species of birds migrate during seasonal periods, researchers believe that the Monark Butterfly is the only actual “migratory” insect. Other butterflies, moths, and insects may be seen in large numbers making a big trip, but almost always they are in search of food, not to escape climatic conditions.
The
winter monarch migration takes millions of Monarch Butterflies
thousands of
miles, from Canada and northern portions of the United States, to the
coastal regions of California and Texas, and mostly to the mountains of
central Mexico. The Monarch butterfly migration is a truly
incredible feat accomplished like clockwork every year, on the
same dates, and to the
exact same locations, and return in the spring. Details
about the butterfly migration.
What is the only insect that doesn't cause you to hide inside when they are swarming your neighborhood? Who helps the bees and hummingbirds pollinate the flowers .... Monarch Butterflies.
While many species of birds migrate during seasonal periods, researchers believe that the Monark Butterfly is the only actual “migratory” insect. Other butterflies, moths, and insects may be seen in large numbers making a big trip, but almost always they are in search of food, not to escape climatic conditions.
OK ........
that's downright amazing .....
But consider these caveats..... This butterfly migration isn't done by Grandpa leading his offspring. It's accomplished by a new generation that has never been there before. To top that off, this generation starts the return trek back north in the spring, stops to mate and lay eggs on milkweed plants, but then they all die of old age. After a few days a new generation become caterpillars which transform into adults (butterfly metamorphosis) who continue the expedition north. This monarch life cycle process repeats for a couple more times before the annual cycle is complete. Are these guys concealing some sort of top secret GPS system?
The Monark
Butterfly is incredible!
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