Monarch Butterfly – 5/26/10

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/26/10

Observation Time: 5:10 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond

Common Name: Monarch Butterfly

Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus

Comments: In fall, eastern monarchs migrate thousands of miles from Canada to Mexico and parts of Arizona and Florida. In spring, the overwintered population migrates part of the way back. Then a second, third and fourth generation continues the migration to back to Canada.

The number of monarchs overwintering in Mexico has shown a long-term downward trend. In 2014, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Food Safety filed a legal petition requesting Endangered Species Act protection for the monarch and its habitat.

Efforts are underway to establish monarch waystations. A growing number of homeowners are establishing butterfly gardens; monarchs can be attracted by cultivating a butterfly garden with specific plant species.

More Information: Wikipedia