Monarch Mystery
Imagine a Monarch butterfly as it dances along the wind and flowers (Danaus plexippus). It is an iconic and effective pollinator, recognizable from its black, orange, and white pattern. It seems to go up, down, sideways with ease. One reason that allows this sudden change of movement possible is that it weighs almost nothing. Here are some visual thoughts for you describing the mass of the Monarch.
Comprehend the mass of this marvelous creature.
1 Monarch Butterfly =
1/2 raisin
10 sunflower kernels
7 large raindrops
Got it? Hardly any weight compared to our outstretched hand. Consider that on the southbound migration these beautiful creatures migrate approximately 3000 miles. Rain, wind, food, predators, insecticides all present obstacles.
Let’s start at the southernmost point of their ‘winter’ hibernation in the upper mountains of Mexico where millions of Monarchs cover the branches of trees. They have their wings folded with almost no space between butterflies. Imagine a tree that seems to have variegated color which is created by their under wing color. They wait. As the temperature increases so does their activity. These Monarchs have survived the 3000 mile journey, huddled in the trees throughout the winter and they are the ones who will begin the next generation. They move to lower altitudes, mate, and the females begin the journey northward laying their eggs on milkweed plants, their primary food. These next generation monarchs on their northward journey, however, have a completely different life span, lasting only weeks. The distance that each of these butterflies accomplishes is only a portion of the 3000 mile journey. Each next generation that hatches continues northward carrying on the migration to the north, seeking as far north as the Canadian border.
3-4 generations are required to go to the northern most part of the USA and southern Canada. Even these smaller journeys are impressive. How does each generation pass along the guidance and destination? This is only a part of the mystery.
When the temperatures begin to drop as the last generation Monarch reaches the northern parts, it does something even more incredible. As winter approaches with cooler temperatures and a lower angle of light the Monarch ceases mating, and begins the solitary, long distance journey back to the highlands of Mexico. And now the cycle continues. How can it know where to go in a single journey that it has never flown before?
There are basically 2 migratory paths of the Monarch. It seems that the Rocky Mountains of Western USA keep some Monarchs on the west side. They migrate north, and turn around like the eastern Monarchs and head south. These, however, don’t go to Mexico, they winter in the warmer portions of Southern California.
Meditate on this Mystery. Explore this incomprehensible creature. There is a wealth of information, history, tracking efforts, and descriptions of the Monarch on the web.
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Is it possible that we humans sometimes feel a pull to do something? Maybe forgive a relative or friend for something. Perhaps to begin a long journey that has been sidelined? To strive to ‘see the other side of the coin’ for once?
We seem to be good at mental promises and thoughts that sometimes go awry.
Time to begin the journey?
Imagine a Monarch butterfly as it dances along the wind and flowers (Danaus plexippus). It is an iconic and effective pollinator, recognizable from its black, orange, and white pattern. It seems to go up, down, sideways with ease. One reason that allows this sudden change of movement possible is that it weighs almost nothing. Here are some visual thoughts for you describing the mass of the Monarch.
Comprehend the mass of this marvelous creature.
1 Monarch Butterfly =
1/2 raisin
10 sunflower kernels
7 large raindrops
Got it? Hardly any weight compared to our outstretched hand. Consider that on the southbound migration these beautiful creatures migrate approximately 3000 miles. Rain, wind, food, predators, insecticides all present obstacles.
Let’s start at the southernmost point of their ‘winter’ hibernation in the upper mountains of Mexico where millions of Monarchs cover the branches of trees. They have their wings folded with almost no space between butterflies. Imagine a tree that seems to have variegated color which is created by their under wing color. They wait. As the temperature increases so does their activity. These Monarchs have survived the 3000 mile journey, huddled in the trees throughout the winter and they are the ones who will begin the next generation. They move to lower altitudes, mate, and the females begin the journey northward laying their eggs on milkweed plants, their primary food. These next generation monarchs on their northward journey, however, have a completely different life span, lasting only weeks. The distance that each of these butterflies accomplishes is only a portion of the 3000 mile journey. Each next generation that hatches continues northward carrying on the migration to the north, seeking as far north as the Canadian border.
3-4 generations are required to go to the northern most part of the USA and southern Canada. Even these smaller journeys are impressive. How does each generation pass along the guidance and destination? This is only a part of the mystery.
When the temperatures begin to drop as the last generation Monarch reaches the northern parts, it does something even more incredible. As winter approaches with cooler temperatures and a lower angle of light the Monarch ceases mating, and begins the solitary, long distance journey back to the highlands of Mexico. And now the cycle continues. How can it know where to go in a single journey that it has never flown before?
There are basically 2 migratory paths of the Monarch. It seems that the Rocky Mountains of Western USA keep some Monarchs on the west side. They migrate north, and turn around like the eastern Monarchs and head south. These, however, don’t go to Mexico, they winter in the warmer portions of Southern California.
Meditate on this Mystery. Explore this incomprehensible creature. There is a wealth of information, history, tracking efforts, and descriptions of the Monarch on the web.
==============================
Is it possible that we humans sometimes feel a pull to do something? Maybe forgive a relative or friend for something. Perhaps to begin a long journey that has been sidelined? To strive to ‘see the other side of the coin’ for once?
We seem to be good at mental promises and thoughts that sometimes go awry.
Time to begin the journey?