Numerous Monarch butterflies make the trip from Canada to Mexico annually. These orange beauties undertake a 5,000 mile flight to Mexico known as one of the world’s longest insect migrations
There are three phases to the migration of the Monarch butterflies. In the first phase monarchs leave Canada in fall and winter and their journey takes them through the United States to Mexico where they will overwinter.
Phase Two happens in Spring when the Monarch butterflies begin their long journey North. Along the journey, the females will stop and lay their eggs. The caterpillars become butterflies and continue the journey.
In phase three, there are now two or three generations of butterflies that start arriving in Canada. Hopefully our gardens are well stocked and welcoming so they can build up their strength for the long journey in Phase One. In the meantime we enjoy their presence all summer.
-
Do you migrate to warmer places during the winter?
-
Yes
-
No
-
No need to I live in a warm country
-
Such amazing creatures!
They are indeed. Thanks for your comments
Thank you. They are beautiful creatures.
thinking about how delicate they are, such a journey is amazing!
I have seen many this year arrive in my garden with broken wings and I guessed the long trip had taken a toll on them.
it does, millions start out, but less than 1/2 make it the whole way
What a lovely butterfly, I am now lucky to live in a state where most of the year it is warm weather.
Yes you are lucky and I would love to change places with you right now
I stay isn my home year round.
I go away somewhere warm for short periods but it is never enough
It’s a very beautiful butterfly. No, I do not migrate but I go on vacation to catch some sun abroad always when it becomes cold here.
I try to do that as well but would love to stay away from the cold for much longer if I could
A beautiful butterfly. Only where does this fragile insect get the power for such a long way.
I often wonder about and in addition to the flight they stop to start a new family.
5000 miles is a long long journey. Wonder how these delicate creatures have the strength for this journey. Informational post Gloridaze.
Thank you. It is a marvel isn’t it?
Beautiful butterfly……