MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
Monarch butterflies are large, orange and black butterflies known for their long migrations, traveling thousands of miles from North America to central Mexico for winter. They have a wingspan of about 3 to 4 inches, with males sporting brighter colors and a distinctive black spot on their hind wings. Their lifecycle includes four stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult—and they rely on milkweed plants for breeding and feeding.
Monarchs use the sun to navigate and can live two to six weeks as adults, except for the overwintering generation, which survives up to nine months. Their populations have declined due to habitat loss and climate change, prompting conservation efforts like planting milkweed.
