science

First monarch butterflies arrive at Mexico wintering area


The 3,000-mile (4,800-km) mass migration of monarch butterflies in North America is one of the insect world’s fantastic feats.

Millions embarking on the arduous journey from as far north as Canada down into Mexico and the California coast each autumn.

The number of migrating monarchs has plummeted in recentyears. 

Researchers said while an estimated one billion monarchbutterflies migrated to Mexico in 1996, that number stood atabout 35 million this past winter.

Migrating Monarch Butterflies on a Eucalyptus Tree: A gene related to collagen, the main ingredient in connective tissue, is  essential for flight muscle function.

Migrating Monarch Butterflies on a Eucalyptus Tree: A gene related to collagen, the main ingredient in connective tissue, is  essential for flight muscle function.

Migrating Monarch Butterflies on a Eucalyptus Tree: A gene related to collagen, the main ingredient in connective tissue, is  essential for flight muscle function.

Threats to them includehabitat loss due to human activities, pesticides that killmilkweed and climate change, experts say.

Monarch butterflies living east of the Rocky Mountains spend their winters in Mexico to escape the cold weather while those west of the Rockies spend winters on the California coast before returning home in the spring. 

Scientists say their orange color tells potential predatorsthey taste awful and are toxic to eat thanks to chemicals fromthe milkweed plants that nourish them in their larval state. 

 

 



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