Here at the Eno River Association, we absolutely love learning and talking about some of the amazing native organisms that can be found in our area, all of which work together to ensure Eno ecosystems are healthy and balanced. If you’re like us, you’ll agree that monarch butterflies EASILY rank at the top of this list. As you may be aware, the life cycle of a monarch involves four primary stages: egg, caterpillar (or larvae), chrysalis (or pupa), and finally adult butterfly. However, some people are less familiar with the complexities of monarch generations.
In a given year, there will be 4 or 5 overlapping generations of monarchs. We are currently halfway through September, and as temperatures, daylight hours, and suitable nectar sources in the area all begin to decrease, an important shift is simultaneously occurring in our monarchs! The chrysalises and caterpillars currently inhabiting the area are likely the final generation of 2022. This generation is migratory and will begin flying southward once they reach adulthood in the coming weeks. Their destination is central Mexico, where they will gather in oyamel fir trees and conserve energy in order to survive the winter, which also involves putting a pause on reproduction. Unlike summer generations which live only 2 to 6 weeks, this overwintering generation can live up to 9 months!
Around February or March following their overwintering period in Mexico, this generation will begin to head back north and east, where they will look for mates and then for a suitable location to lay their eggs. Once hatched, those eggs will represent the first generation of monarchs for the year 2023! After the first generation, there will be a few more summer generations which move progressively further north within their range until the final generation of the year heads back down south. Pretty incredible, right?!
Monarchs are fascinating creatures as well as important pollinators, but unfortunately were officially listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in July of this year. The species’ primary threats include habitat destruction and climate change. Pesticide and herbicide usage is also a prominent threat, as it can kill off both monarchs and their host plants. Now more than ever, monarchs need to be protected, and there are many ways that you can help! Click this link to learn more.