Friday, August 9, 2019

The Journey Of A Monarch Butterfly

The life of most Monarch Butterflies is only a few weeks.
During the summer breeding season they live two to six weeks.
But the Monarchs that migrate to Mexico in the fall are different.
They are born in late summer, 
stay alive all winter in Mexico and migrate north the following spring.

This Monarch looks like it has been alive for a while.
Torn and tethered, is it possible this Monarch migrated to Mexico, 
has returned and is still alive?







It preferred the butterfly bush but also spent a bit of time on the hydrangea!

20 comments:

David M. Gascoigne, said...

We have six Monarchs indoors right now just waiting to hatch. I think we may have the first butterfly today, based on the colour of the chrysalis.

Natalia said...

It is beautiful!☺

eileeninmd said...

Hello, The Monarchs are beautiful. I wish them all well, they were having a population crash. Hope your day is great, happy weekend!

Marie Smith said...

Poor creature looks like it’s had a rough time. It must be a fighter!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...



I have no words.

Changes in the wind said...

He has surely weathered along the way.

Sally said...

Amazing, Debbie. I think you're the butterfly whisperer.

xoxo

Conniecrafter said...

It is so sad to me that some of them only live a few short weeks, looks like this one has lived a full life, I am sure the stories he could tell :)

Ruth Hiebert said...

That one does look a little worse for wear. It's amazing just how tattered they can be and still get around ok.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

He looks like he has been through a bit of rough winds- but good on him to keep on flying. I love butterflies- but they are so fragile.

BeachGypsy said...

Sad for the poor butterfly, he looks so tattered and torn. They are so beautiful though aren't they? I've been off the blogs for a few days, so I'll be back to catch up later and see what all else you've been up to. Happy weekend to you my friend and hope you are feeling good and can go on an adventure this weekend!

BeachGypsy said...

hi again Debbie, I just saw where you commented on my post about my purple bottle. Thanks for the compliments, I got my pocketbook at the thrift store and I love it! Nope, I didn't do the needlework.....I cant do anything like that!! ha ha LOL---that is why i like to see all the creations you make so much!

Rian said...

Wonderful pics! We also used to take the caterpillars inside to save them from the wasps, watch them eat, and form their chrysalis. Then when they broke out and were ready to take wing, we'd bring them outside and place them on a bush in the sun for their wings to dry. My greatest thrill was once when I did this, the butterfly flew round and round my head before heading off...

LeAnn said...

Beautiful photos of this lovely Monarch Butterfly. It would be fun to know if it is one that traveled back from Mexico. I love when share information about these beautiful butterflies and all the other critters you post about.
Blessings and hugs for you!

Karen Lakis said...

That is rather incredible! I never would have thought that a butterfly would travel so far. Your close-up photos are beautiful.

The Furry Gnome said...

That sure is one tattered monarch, but amazing close-up pictures.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

So Beautiful Debbie and great shots of them. I am back from my travels at least for a little while so thank you for your comments during that time when I could not comment. Have a fabulous weekend.

Lowcarb team member said...

Yes, a little tattered looking but once again you share some amazing photographs … thank-you.

All the best Jan

Brian King said...

Gorgeous photos! Love the "worn" look!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Their journey is one of the most miraculous things!