Lepidopterist
A quaint scene from Pacific Grove, California, The Monarch Capital of the
World. Well, it once was.
Monarchs range across North America, from southern Canada south through Mexico,
Central America, and into South America. Across the pond, they can be found
in the western parts of southern Europe and North Africa. They also inhabit
Hawaii and many of the South Pacific Islands, including The Philippines, Western
Australia and the East Indies.
Back in Pacific Grove, Monarch populations have plummeted here and many places
in recent decades. Many sites report a 90% reduction in populations, some
report 100%. They used to return in the millions every spring from their wintering
grounds in Mexico. The skies were darkened with butterflies. I remember the
roads being covered with layers of wriggling caterpillars. Why they were crossing
the roads, I don’t know, but it was an amazing sight! Perhaps the milkweed
was greener on the other side. Adult Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on
milkweed plants, which the caterpillars then eat. The destruction of milkweed
fields is a major factor driving the loss of populations. And that is happening
everywhere.
Most Monarchs live only a few weeks as adults. Several generations can be
spawned in a season, and the last generation of adults in a season can live
up to about 8 months to survive the migration journey to Mexico and back.
In the illustration, that’s milkweed in the vase. A chrysalis can be
seen hanging from a leaf, and a careful observer might see eggs on the undersides
of the leaves. Mounted on the wall is a favorite specimen from the butterfly’s
collection.
Oregon is home to about 175 species of Butterfly.
© 2023 Scott Wright
