The migratory butterflies daily traverse a distance of 120 km, placing in ascending air currents to seize the momentum and plan. With this flight technique, the monarchs need only flapping when they lost the wind or when they want to change course, which allows them to save enough energy to complete his long journey. After having covered more than five thousand kilometers of incredible journey, the Methuselah of butterflies monarch generation finally reaches 5 shrines located in Mexico, hanging from the trunks and clusters of FIR, thus preparing to be part of half of the colony that Yes will survive the winter and predators. Already in mid-February, when the temperature rises and the days become longer, the monarchs emerge from the trees, to begin their mating rituals. When has every female left an estimated 400 eggs on the thin leaves of milkweeds, begins the search for flowers for nectar and thus accumulate energy for the long trip back home.
Large colonies of monarch butterflies beating wings in unison in waiting of ascending air currents to propel itself and thus undertake the flight may be seen in mid March. Once in territories of the United States, the Methuselah generation will die and the journey will continue as a relay race in which the descendants of short life will continue northward migration in several generations. Surprisingly, the Monarchs that return to the shrines in winter, have never before been there, were their trastarabuelos (Popes in the great grandfathers) who were so fearless tour the previous year. However, because the orientation is genetically transmitted, the Methuselah monarchs of next year may return without any problem, to the same place in which its predecessors hibernated. This is the incredible saga of an insect that weighs less than a gram, but whose beauty and importance as Pollinator factor of ecological balance, are preponderant. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this fascinating experience when you visit Michoacan or Mexico State.
