3-31-2022 8:58pm

The Monarch Butterfly

Christine Larkin Editor

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The Monarchs are coming. What a miracle of nature this butterfly is. Once a crawly caterpillar, the Monarch emerges from the chrysalis after a short period of 9 to 14 days before its transformation is complete. Through the chrysalis, the day before the adult emerges, you can see the orange and black wings of the Monarch butterfly inside. The name "monarch" is believed to have been given in honor of King William III of England, as the butterfly's main color is that of the king's secondary title, Prince of Orange.

The eastern North American monarch population is notable for its annual southward late summer/autumn instinctive migration from the northern and central United States and southern Canada to Florida and Mexico. During the fall migration, monarchs cover thousands of miles, with a corresponding multigenerational return north. The western North American population of monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains often migrates to sites in southern California but has been found in overwintering Mexican sites as well.

Throughout Spring and Summer, Monarch butterflies are found in open meadows and fields that usually contain a variety of wildflowers including milkweed, coastal beaches with dunes, and man-made butterfly gardens. After a cold week of winter-like weather on Long Island, the temperatures will be warming up as we head into April. What a perfect time to take long walks and catch a glimpse of these marvels of nature or plant a butterfly bush in your garden so you don't have to walk too far to see them.

Welcome April.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore. Please subscribe to my free newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support the SLTN community, you can make a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15). You can also advertise your business or event here. It's easy and convenient to do. I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond. These years can be transformative, but they require focus, determination, and planning. I have a first Monday-of-the-month motivational vlog that is designed to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.