The Art Of Movement Of The Monarch Butterfly

The movement of the monarch butterfly is a very special sight. The monarch butterflies chooses the forests of Mexico as their winter hibernation grounds to escape the winter months in Canada and the U.S.

This particular area in Mexico is protected from the cold winds of the north and provides a micro climate the butterflies can tolerate.

Millions of monarch butterflies huddle together and completely cover the trees. The huddle together at night to share each others warmth, but when the sun comes out in the day and warms the area the butterflies take to the sky in beautiful movement.

In addition to the beautiful dance they do in the daytime of their wintering ground, there is another special aspect of their movement.

The monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the northern U.S. to Mexico in what can be over a 3000 mile trip. This movement is one of the most beautiful sights in the world, and for that the monarch butterfly is recognized during many yearly celebrations in the U.S.

Monarch Decline

The monarch butterfly is the official insect of seven states in the United States.

Monarch butterflies make an annual migration across the United States that is one of nature’s most beautiful sights.

The beauty and the fascinating migration of the monarch butterfly has led to several yearly celebrations held in its honor.

Sadly, every year fewer and fewer monarch butterflies make the journey.

The monarch population has been on the decline for the past 15 years throughout North America.

The monarch number is calculated by analyzing their coverage of their wintering grounds in the forests of Mexico.

The most drastic decline in their numbers have been within the last few years.

During the 2013-2014 winter, the monarch butterflies covered 0.67 hectares. The average coverage of the monarch of their wintering grounds from 1994-2014 was 6.39 hectares.

The 2013-2014 was nearly ten times lower than the average.