I have recently moved from Alaska, been in Northwest Washington for only just over a year. I have noticed many Monarch butterflies (in the past couple weeks) and my sister (a 14 year resident) says this is highly unusual. I have tried surfing the net to find out if they prefer warm climate but am unable to find anything, so it seems easier to ask you guys. Are Monarchs more prone to warm weather? Are they more prevelant here due to global warming? Being from Alaska I have already seen the effects of warmer air, ground and water. And although the Monarchs are beautiful, them coming to Nothwest Washington-is that not a good sign?
2007-07-06 17:04:11 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Monarch butterflies are great at migrating. They winter by the millions in Mexico. They have been spotted in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and I know they migrate as far north as southern Canada. .
They used to be far more common than they are now. Their numbers have been steadily dwindling over recent years.
Their favorite food and location for laying eggs is milk weed plants.
People poison milk weed plants and that is one reason for their decline.
2007-07-06 17:16:37 · answer #1 · answered by Philip H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I reside in northern Ontario, Sudbury to be exact. The Monarch makes its home here as well and the remainder of the information you have been provided with is accurate insofar as its habitat being in milkweed areas where they consume copious quantities of the plant during their whole lifespan. Since they winter in Mexico, and they actually had a freeze there last year, killing off many, the population dwindled to the point that they were placed on an endangered species list. Personally, I don't believe global warming has anything to do with their presence in Washington.
2007-07-07 02:03:48 · answer #2 · answered by Trina H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Monarch butterflies are rather unique as insects in that they fly south for the winter. They hibernate in the mountains of central Mexico every year before flying back up to Canada where they mate and produce the next generation. You will probably see them 2x/year, on the way up and the way back down. It was a fun treat when I lived in California. Enjoy!
2007-07-07 00:10:22 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We get them certain times of the year in the San Joaquin Valley in CA. They migrate from the south, like Mexico or even S. America. They have breeding grounds that they often return to. The development inside the chrysalis is great for learning and can be done without harming the butterfly. Consider yourself most fortunate to have these wonderful orange and black beauties in your area.
2007-07-10 16:23:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have become an endanger species. The USA, Canada, and Mexico have agreed to protect this particular insect from extinction just recently due to deforestation in Mexico where they go during the winter months, and come back all the way to Canada. Yet, you might be right, it may be due to global warming.
2007-07-07 00:14:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've lived in Santa Cruz for 7 years and we have a Monarch Grove here... I love it and I go every year to see them. I've noticed that every year there are less and less. I'm assuming it's due to global warming :(
2007-07-07 00:18:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada an area that the monarch butterfly frequents in June and July ........this year we have seen larger numbers than usual...........Hope this is o f some help
2007-07-07 00:34:51 · answer #7 · answered by meathead 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋