[Animals] Monarch butterfly, the lepidoptera that embodies one of the most amazing migratory phenomena

[-𝓣𝓐𝓚𝓘]

The monarch butterfly travels more than 4 thousand kilometers in search of environmental conditions that allow it to continue with its life cycle
The majesty of the monarch butterfly continues to captivate the world. This lepidopteran insect is recognized not only for its beauty, but also for the migratory phenomenon it embodies; Every year, during the fall, this butterfly travels more than 4,000 kilometers to reach the eastern forests of the state of Michoacán, Mexico. This is what we know about the monarch butterfly.

The group of butterflies that travel this long path are known as the "Methuselah generation" because they exceed their life expectancy, which is between four and five weeks. Mentioning this, those that fly to Mexico to hibernate during the colder months live up to seven or eight months.

It may interest you: The monarch butterfly is in danger of extinction, warns the IUCN

The monarch butterfly is one of the most amazing insects. It is the same generation that makes the round trip, from Canada to Mexico. Interest in the migratory behavior of this Lepidoptera not only attracts scientists; tourism has also found a focus of attention in the monarchs' refuges.

Sleepy Transformation Bug
The scientific name for the monarch butterfly is Danaus plexippus, which is Greek for "sleepy transformation." Its etymology is a clear reference to the process of change that the monarch undergoes when going from a caterpillar to a butterfly. This animal is considered to be part of the holometabolous insects due to all the stages of development that it goes through before reaching its final phase.

The life cycle of the monarch butterfly is very complex. It all starts when the female lays her eggs on milkweed leaves (Asclepias spp). Approximately 400 eggs are laid by a butterfly of this species. After four or eight days, the small caterpillars see the light and, at the same time, begin to feed on the milkweeds.

Fifteen days later, the caterpillar looks for a suitable place to give rise to the chrysalis. Once in this process, a metamorphosis begins in which the most important organs change, while other elements grow and develop. In the end, what emerges is a monarch butterfly. According to the Government of Mexico, this life cycle lasts approximately one month, however, the time may vary depending on environmental factors.

The caterpillar of the monarch butterfly feeds on milkweeds. This plant, also known as “venenillo”, releases toxins that help keep predators away during this phase of its development. For its part, the adult butterfly takes nectar from the same plant.

Despite their defense methods, the monarch butterfly and its caterpillars are preyed upon by a wide range of predators. According to what is stated by the Government of Mexico, the prickly pear bosero, the dark-backed bosero and the tigrillo gordo are the main animals that feed on this butterfly.

In 2022 the monarch butterfly was declared endangered
Unfortunately, there are factors that are putting the survival of the monarch butterfly at risk. Climate change, for example, affects migration because it alters the temperatures of the places they arrive and pass through. The harsher winters are causing the death of many members of the species.

Similarly, the use of herbicides for agriculture is destroying milkweeds, the key to feeding these pollinators. The felling of trees and uncontrolled urbanization also influence the fact that the number is getting smaller and smaller.

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/mariposa-monarca-el-lepidoptero-que-recorre-miles-de-kilometros/