About the Monarch Butterfly
The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of the most beautiful and iconic butterflies in the world. Known for their stunning orange and black wings, Monarchs are not only visually striking but also important pollinators in their ecosystems.
Monarchs undergo an incredible migration journey, traveling thousands of miles from North America to central Mexico for the winter. This journey is an astonishing feat for such delicate creatures and is still not completely understood.
Did You Know?
- Monarch butterflies can travel up to 3,000 miles during their migration.
- They use the Earth's magnetic field to help them navigate.
- The average lifespan of a Monarch butterfly is about 6-8 weeks, though migratory generations can live up to 8 months!