Annandale children say ‘adios,’ as monarchs begin long journey to Mexico
About half a dozen monarch butterflies got a fond farewell as they headed off to Mexico from Annandale’s Hidden Oaks Nature Center Sunday afternoon. Before they flew away, Assistant Manager Suzanne Holland attached tiny stickers to their wings to help biologists track their journey.
Monarch butterflies eat milkweed leaves, and Hidden Oaks’ butterfly garden is filled with milkweed plants. Holland also presented an education program on monarchs. Here are some highlights:
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Monarchs lay 300 to 400 eggs.
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The caterpillars use a “silk button” to attach themselves to a leave or stem. They hang in a “J” form and wiggle and shake to wrap themselves in a glittery, green chrysalis.
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The monarch chrysalis tastes bad to birds.Monarchs know from the moment they break out of the chrysalis how to get to Michoacán, Mexico, where they spend the winter.
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They fly at 10,000 feet, and travel about five to 10 miles a day.
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The first, second, and third generations of monarchs only live two to six weeks and stay close to home. But the fourth generation, just now emerging, migrates to warmer climates and lives six to eight months.
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When the monarchs head north from Michoacán, most go through the center of the United States, so only a few strays wind up in Annandale.
