Monarch butterfly super generation migrates thousands of miles
Summary
Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year from Canada and the northern U.S. to a forest in central Mexico to spend the winter. Their population in Mexico has dropped by 70% in the last 30 years, but millions still cluster in high mountain fir and pine trees to rest and survive the cold months.Key Facts
- Monarch butterflies travel from Canada and the northern U.S. to mountains in Michoacan, Mexico, for winter.
- They rest in fir and pine trees about 11,000 feet high in a protective forest canopy.
- Around 66 million monarchs were counted in the forest but their numbers have declined 70% over 30 years.
- The butterflies cluster tightly on tree branches, causing the branches to bend.
- Monarchs enter a hibernation-like state called roosting, staying still with wings closed.
- They survive the winter by feeding on nectar before migrating, which helps them stay hydrated and warm.
- Monarchs are sensitive to sound and carbon dioxide, reacting to potential predators nearby.
- Many butterflies fall to the ground during cold nights but can be revived by warming up their muscles.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
