In March, this generation begins the journey north into Texas and southern states, laying eggs and nectaring as they migrate and breed. These locations provide cool temperatures, water, and adequate shelter to protect them from predators and allow them to conserve enough energy to survive winter. Upon reaching their destination in central Mexico beginning in early November, monarchs aggregate in oyamel fir trees on south-southwest facing mountain slopes. Along the way, they find refuge in stopover sites with abundant nectar sources and shelter from harsh weather. and southern Canada, monarchs funnel toward Mexico. enter reproductive diapause (do not reproduce) and begin to migrate south in search of the overwintering grounds where they have never been before. Most monarch butterflies that emerge after about mid August in the eastern U.S. Unlike summer generations that live for two to six weeks as adults, adults in the migratory generation can live for up to nine months. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.ĭecreasing day length and temperatures, along with aging milkweed and fewer nectar sources trigger a change in monarchs this change signifies the beginning of the migratory generation. Forest Service - International Programs, U.S. This map was created in collaboration with the Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University with generous support from U.S.
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