Sunday, February 3, 2013

Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly
The monarch is the state butterfly of Minnesota. It is perhaps the most well known butterfly in North America. The monarch is a member of the Danainae subfamily. Danaine are butterflies that larva, caterpillar, eat milkweed. The milkweed that the caterpillar eats makes them toxic to many would be predators. The monarch is one of the few butterflies that migrate south for the winter. In the fall they migrate in large numbers to southern California or central Mexico. During the winter large groups of monarchs perch in trees in a sort of suspended animation. Come February and March they awaken, mate, lay eggs and then die. The generation that hatches will move north where they will lay their eggs and begin the process again. Because of their migration monarchs are occasionally found in Europe, Asia, and Australia.


11 comments:

Unknown said...

Gorgeous shot!

DeniseinVA said...

Always find their migration absolutely awesome, considering the young have never been north and yet they know. Genetic imprinting? Your photo is also awesome!!!

Linda Gibbons said...

Terrific photo!

Chris Twyman and Angela said...

wonderful,we have the same butterflies in Australia.

Modern Mom said...

Stunning shot. Hope you'll find time to visit my entry.

lorik said...

I really like the strong contrast of colour here. And the pattern on the wing is striking.

lorik said...

Thank you for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday:)

vincibene said...

Gorgeous picture!

Anonymous said...

Marvelous macro!
~Linda

Tanya Breese said...

wow, that is a beautiful crisp shot!

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