Definition of Monarch Butterfly

The scientific name of this insect from the Lepidoptera group is Danaus plexippus. When Europeans settled in North America in the 17th century, it became known as the Monarch in honor of King William III of England. The Aztecs called it Papálotl and believed that it carried the soul of dead warriors up to the heavens.

The entire metamorphosis of the Monarch lasts approximately one month and its life reaches nine months

The life cycle of the Monarch goes through four different stages. In the first one, it is a tiny yellow and white egg (the female lays about 400 eggs on the leaves of the trees).

In the second stage of development it turns into a larva after a few days. In this phase it is a worm with white, black and yellow stripes and during this period it feeds on milkweed leaves, from which it obtains a toxic substance that allows it to defend itself from its predators. In this stage the Monarch develops powerful antennae that allow it to guide itself and, on the other hand, it sheds its skin five times.

In its last molt it becomes a pupa or chrysalis

It acquires a characteristic transparent green color, so it is possible to see inside the wings of the butterfly. Inside the cocoon the Monarch is transforming until it finally comes out and reaches the adult stage.

As an adult butterfly, it has two pairs of wings with a bright orange color accompanied by black stripes and white spots. Its open wings are about 11 centimeters wide and its weight is less than a gram. With the antennas he orients himself and with his eyes he captures the images and light.

The male Monarch butterfly has a black dot on its wings and this element allows them to be differentiated from the females. The habitat natural lepidopteran is protected by the government Mexican.

A journey of thousands of kilometers

In the months of fall millions of butterflies gather to migrate from the forests of Canada and the United States to the territory from Mexico and then back. In the Mexican territory of Michoacán they spend winter, as this habitat meets the ideal conditions for life: temperature fresh to save Energy and clouds and mist that provide them with water. This journey exceeds 5000 kilometers.

The visit to the Mexican lands of the Monarch has become an attraction for nature-loving tourists.

Photo: Fotolia - Pavel1964