The Migration of the Monarch ButterflyThe Monarch butterfly is found in North America. Since the 19th century, it has also appeared in New Zealand, Australia, and the Canary Islands. It can also be found as a migrant in the Azores, Portugal, and Spain. In some places, the Monarch is also known as the wandering butterfly.Monarchs are known for migrating long distances. They migrate every year. They fly southward in large numbers from August through October. Then in the spring theymigratenorthward.During the migration, females deposit eggs for the next generation. North American Monarchs are separated into two populations. One group lives east of the Rocky Mountains. This group spends winters in Michoacan, Mexico. The group that lives in the west spends winter in central California, mainly in Pacific Grove and Santa Cruz.The length of the Monarch's migration journey is longer than a single butterfly's lifespan. Butterflies born in early summer live less than two months. The final generation of the summer lives about seven months. During this time they fly to their winter home. This generation does not reproduce until it leaves the winter location in the spring.Scientists still do not understand how the species can return to the same winter location over a gap in generations. This is the subject of much research. It is assumed that the flight patterns are inherited. Studies suggest thattheyare based on a combination of circadian rhythm and the position of the sun in the sky. A new study suggests that the Monarchs have special ultraviolet photoreceptors that give them a sense of direction.A few Monarchs appear in Great Britain in years with favorable conditions. Some Monarchs also live on the island of Hawaii. These butterflies do not migrate. They live for six to eight weeks if the gardens have enough nectar-producing flowers to support them.What can be inferred about Monarchs’ migration patterns...