Migration~
Monarch Butterflies make a tremendous migration route to Central Mexico and Southern California each winter. They have to migrate because they cannot survive in the harsh winters in the north. Monarchs can travel up to three thousand miles! This insect must begin it's journey in fall, ahead of the cold weather. Monarch butterflies who were born in September and October make this special migration. They only do this once in their life time.
Usually in October, they start flying to migrate. Sometimes they start their migration flight sooner if the weather is turning cold earlier.
If monarch butterflies live in the Eastern states, then they would usually migrate to Mexico and hibernate in oyamel fir trees. If monarchs live west of the Rocky Mountains, then they would migrate to California and would hibernate in eucalyptus trees.
Oddly enough, monarch butterflies use the same trees every year when they migrate south. These butterflies are known to travel the farthest of any insect.
After the winter has passed in the north, monarch butterflies come out of hibernation and start flying to the north to lay their eggs for the next generation. The fourth generation dies off and the first generation will produce the second and so forth. When the fourth generation comes, it will migrate to the south and start the whole process over.
Usually in October, they start flying to migrate. Sometimes they start their migration flight sooner if the weather is turning cold earlier.
If monarch butterflies live in the Eastern states, then they would usually migrate to Mexico and hibernate in oyamel fir trees. If monarchs live west of the Rocky Mountains, then they would migrate to California and would hibernate in eucalyptus trees.
Oddly enough, monarch butterflies use the same trees every year when they migrate south. These butterflies are known to travel the farthest of any insect.
After the winter has passed in the north, monarch butterflies come out of hibernation and start flying to the north to lay their eggs for the next generation. The fourth generation dies off and the first generation will produce the second and so forth. When the fourth generation comes, it will migrate to the south and start the whole process over.