Answers For [Forecast Q2-2025] - Research on Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch Butterfly - one of the most elegant and beautiful of Earth's creatures is also the one that is unique and fascinating and worthy of our attention.

There are two species of monarch butterflies - one to be found in North America and the other can be seen in South America.

I will be speaking today about the species found in North America.
Most of earth's attractive butterflies are to be found in tropical or otherwise hot environment and indeed the Monarch is no exception, with most migrating to the warmer climates of Mexico and California.

1During the winters, they can effectively hibernate because they are still eggs.

Hibernation is necessary since exposure to cold weather could be fatal.

 On the other hand, metamorphosis - the transformation from one form to another later in their life cycle is very hard work.

2This “hibernation” takes place in order to conserve energy for these processes.

As caterpillars they have developed a self-defense mechanism.

3In harsh winters they produce a substance with their body to protect themselves in cold weather, otherwise they may freeze.

The migration of Monarch butterflies takes place because the extreme winter conditions in North America are challenging to them - most cannot live for long under cold conditions as their bodies cannot function well.

4In fact, either extremely hot or cold weather will reduce their survival rate, but things are quite the opposite in warm weather, especially, when the temperature is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.

In terms of their migration destinations in winter, Monarch butterflies have many choices.

While desert areas are avoided, some butterflies migrate to forests, wetlands and other tropical Environments.

5There is just one type which chooses mountains to be their winter homes.

Because Monarch butterflies are not able to survive the cold winters of North America, they migrate in autumn to escape the cold weather.

The migration commences in about October of each year or earlier if the autumn weather comes early.

6They can travel up to 50 to 100 kilometres per day and their migrations can take them up to two months, though on average, their migration time is one month.

Their journey to their winter locations can be at least four or five thousand kilometres away.

What do they do while in the winter locations?

Well, cliffs used to be the best option for them to take a break, but increasing human activities are now a big threat.

7So, they find the trees that the previous generations have rested in.

This is remarkable that they can find them because the butterflies have been there for three or four generations since the last migration.

Interestingly, even butterflies raised entirely in captivity are also capable of reaching the overwintering sites in Mexico.

However, they do have a lower success rate than wild butterflies. Then they proceed to breed and go through around three generations before heading north once again.

Some scientists have speculated that they find their way by following the coast.

8However, this proved to be incorrect. It is now proven that rivers act as their guides.

It is safer since there is often enough food for them.

9Research also found that with their complex eyes, they determine the location of the sun to help orientate themselves in the right direction.

Each butterfly then has to combine that information with the time of day to figure out which direction to go.

This is all assisted by the butterfly's “internal clock”. It is a truly extraordinary journey.

There are some nature reserves of Mexico, where guided tours are offered from November to March.

10The butterflies' migration attracts many tourists. Local guides lead these people to places where there are more butterflies.

In February, a festival is held. This festival has been celebrated since 1922 and serves to promote awareness of the habitat of the butterflies as well as the culture of the local area.

The sight of the butterflies taking flight in huge numbers is truly spectacular.

The overwintering sites are threatened because of the expansion of the human population.

It is unknown what may happen to the butterflies if their trees are removed, but money is being raised to protect these important areas ...