The monarch migration is a multi-generational wonder

Learn more about the incredible journey of monarch butterflies! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [Monarch Butterflies - Manuel Balesteri] A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single wing flap What’s a monarch butterfly? Recognizably regal to people and wildlife alike – that describes the monarch butterfly! After a cycle of metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, monarchs sport a distinct pair of striking orange wings with black margins and white dots. Those eye-catching colors warn potential predators that monarchs are poisonous and a bad-tasting meal choice. Where can they be found? For such small creatures, monarchs undergo an incredible journey, pollinating many wildflowers as they feed and travel. North America is home to populations of monarchs in the east and west, and both populations take on a migration that covers thousands of miles, from the edge of Canada to Mexico and back again. This trip is carried out by multiple generations; monarch butterflies only live for a few weeks, but their offspring grow up and follow their instincts on a path traveled by monarchs since time immemorial. So what's been happening? Milkweed - the plant that provides monarchs with food, shelter and cover for their eggs – has been dramatically cut back by herbicides and land cover change over the past few decades, with devastating results for the butterflies. Monarchs depend on milkweed to give them the toxicity that protects them from predators. The loss of milkweed in sites across the country – as well as the threat of pesticide exposure – has led to the disappearance of billions of monarchs, leaving this species in a precarious position. How can I help? It’s up to us to keep the monarch migration from ending forever! Defenders pushes Congress to provide more conservation funding and programs that benefit both landowners and wildlife, including pollinators like monarchs. You can help by supporting the cultivation of native plants like milkweed that allow monarchs to carry on their cycle of life. Native plants have powerful benefits to many species that evolved alongside them, and by planting a variety of native plants you can invite a greater variety of birds, pollinators and other animals to your yard! [Learn more about native plants and pollinators!]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street NW • Washington, DC 20036 defenders.org --------------------------------------------------------------- Photo credit: Monarch Butterflies © Manuel Balesteri This email was sent to {EMAIL} Please do not respond to this email. [Unsubscribe here]( or update your preferences [here!]( [supporter]