| 4911040 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
the National Geographic Magazine published pictures of the first monarch butterfly overwintering site discovered in Mexico. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911041 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
An accompanying map graphically illustrates the incredible migration route this butterfly travels each year. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911042 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
There are 13 known monarch butterfly overwintering sites in Mexico. Many are in the mountainous state of Michoacan (MA-CHO-A-CAN) west of Mexico City. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911043 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
The only site open to the public is known as "el Rosario" located near the small town of Angangueo (AN-GAN-GAY-O). See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911044 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Access to the site is by a primitive dirt road about 6 miles long. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911045 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Vehicles must park about 1 mile from the monarch site. Elevation of this mountain is approximately 11,000 feet. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911046 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
A telephoto view of the fir trees (Abies religiosa) shows an orange-red hue created by the roosting butterflies. At a distance this coloration is suggestive of a bark beetle infestation. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911047 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
The remainder of the ascent is by horse. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911049 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
As you enter the area it becomes readily apparent of the profusion of monarchs. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911050 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Foliage is literally covered with these dainty lepidopterans. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911051 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Some visitors serve as temporary roosts. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911052 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Mature fir tree limbs are literally weighted down by thousands of monarchs. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911053 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Green firs 80-100 feet tall turn orange from their living veneer. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911054 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
The forest floor is literally darkened by the monarch masses. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911055 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Adults cling to a tree trunk. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911057 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Flowering plants in the area provide a nectar source for the winter inhabitants. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911058 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Springs in the area are an essential component for insuring the survival of the monarch. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911059 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
It is here that mating occurs prior to their spring northward migration. This migration usually begins about the 3rd week of March. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
| 4911060 |
monarch butterfly |
Danaus plexippus |
Using tagged adults, flights of as long as 3,000 km have been recorded. See images 4911040 - 4911060 |
