This butterfly is famous for its annual migrations, although factors inducing these flights are still poorly understood. Adults overwinter in the southern United States, Mexico and along the California coast. Pacific Grove (in Monterey County) harbors perhaps the greatest concentration of overwintering Monarchs in the western United States. There, adults roost on eucalyptus trees in unbelievable numbers. Monarchs are known to fly great distances during the annual migration; one tagged in Canada was recaptured in Mexico. They may live from six to nine months or more.
This butterfly is famous for its annual migrations, although factors inducing these flights are still poorly understood. Adults overwinter in the southern United States, Mexico and along the California coast. Pacific Grove (in Monterey County) harbors perhaps the greatest concentration of overwintering Monarchs in the western United States. There, adults roost on eucalyptus trees in unbelievable numbers. Monarchs are known to fly great distances during the annual migration; one tagged in Canada was recaptured in Mexico. They may live from six to nine months or more.