When Monarchs begin their journey south, they enter a state of diapause, which causes most species to remain fairly immobile; however, Monarchs remain active. Diapause allows them to obtain and store lipids, proteins and carbs that provide the energy reserves necessary to sustain the butterfly over the long migration.
It takes only one generation of Monarchs to make it to the wintering grounds, while it can take 3 to 4 generations to complete the trip back north. By providing native forbs that bloom throughout the summer, we can do our part to increase beneficial habitat for Monarchs throughout their life cycle. See if you can find Monarchs enjoying native prairie forbs near your house!
Photo: A Monarch enjoying some New England Aster blooms in Glynn Village. Credit: Nolan Benzing
