Where I live, in Northern Vermont, every Fall the monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, fly through our yard, feeding on the flowers, and resting their tired wings. Where are these beautiful creations going in such great numbers? Well, that depends on where you are. Since I'm East of the Rocky Mountains, the butterflies I see are going to the mountains of Mexico, and if you are West of the Rocky Mountains, they are going to California. Below is a map to show where they travel:

These butterflies travel farther then any other butterflies, over 3000 miles! They are the only butterflies to make such a long migration every year. Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same trees, though neither they not their parents have ever seen them or been to this site. It is postulated that they know when to travel by the day length and temperatures around them; however, their ability to navigate this trek still remains unexplained. Some other butterflies and moths also travel long distances, but they travel following the food sources.

The Monarchs which leave from my area are the largest and strongest type. This is because they have to make the long trip. Their descendents follow the Milkweed plant north as the weather warms, laying eggs which hatch, feed on the milkweed, pupate and emerge, feed and fly more northward to the next Milkweed emergence,and the cycle starts again, until the last largest veriety is hatched out up in the north- to fly back to Mexico, and begin all over again!

It is wonderful that God would create such smart, enduring, and beautiful creatures for all to enjoy. 

Credits:

Monarchwatch.org

&

Saul Costa