MONARCH, (Danaus plexippus)
The most well known butterfly in North America and renowned for its long migratory flights. Millions of Monarchs migrate from the eastern and central U.S. down to central Mexico to hibernate for the winter. In the spring they start the trek north laying eggs as they go. Then different generations start the southerly migration in the fall. The Monarch has multiple broods and the larvae eat milkweeds. This butterfly makes excellent science projects for all ages to show complete metamorphosis and tagging of adults for tracking. They are fond of flowers and easy to observe.
