Learn About MonarchsThe monarch starts off as a small caterpillar and undergoes an amazing metamorphosis to become an adult butterfly.
It takes four generations of butterflies to complete their epic 3000 mile migration from Mexico into Canada and northern US and back to Mexico again. A unique host plant (milkweed) and a specific location in Mexico is crucial for the monarch's survival. |
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Video shows where the monarch butterflies lay their eggs, the caterpillar stage, how the caterpillars form a chrysalis, and finally, how the adult monarch butterfly emerges from the chrysalis and dries it's wings. |
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Monarch Caterpillar close-up attaching silk pad support webbing to a pupation site to hang and transform. During Metamorphosis stage change from caterpillar larva to pupa or chrysalis it displays silk spinning and skin shedding in real time video followed by 100X speed time lapse ending stage. (Danaus plexippus) Monarch Butterfly is also know as Milkweed Butterfly. Other names include common tiger, wanderer, and black veined brown. |
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The monarch butterfly migration is one of nature’s greatest events. This orange-winged wonder travels up to 4,500 km from all over North America to spend the winter hanging from oyamel fir trees in central Mexico’s mountain forests. I got to go there. Seeing tens of millions of butterflies dangling from the treetops is a truly breathtaking sight. But how does an animal with a brain the size of a poppy seed navigate to this one special place, especially since the last monarchs to make the trip lived 4 or 5 generations earlier? Get ready for an amazing story of science, instinct, and navigation. |
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Each year, as winter gives way to spring, monarch butterflies leave the safety of their wintering grounds in central Mexico and migrate north. This means that places like the El Rosario butterfly sanctuary in Mexico are perfect for marveling at the ten of millions of monarch butterflies surrounding you. But the history behind the scientific discoveries and the significance to the local culture are just as fascinating as the butterflies themselves. |
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In the mountains of Mexico, a spy hummingbird ventures into the heart of a breathtaking monarch butterfly swarm. |
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The Mystical Migration of the Monarch
Mystical Migration The story of a butterfly, traveling many miles, looking for milkweed. The monarch butterfly is the poster child for all pollinators: restoring butterfly habitat benefits bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. This documentary follows a monarch butterfly as she struggles to survive in a world where her habitat is vanishing. It leaves the viewer hopeful, with a clear call to action. Film Festival Awards LEARN MORE
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Watch slide shows & videos, read articles, and view amazing photos at The Journey North's site. This is an excellent site for educational material.
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Learn more about the monarchs migration, life cycle and habitat needs at the Monarch Joint Venture's very detailed site which covers their amazing biology and ecology. This is an excellent site for educational material.
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