Hibernating.....
.....small, fragile Monarchs form clusters on trees as they overwinter. The clusters are called 'Diapause', where they're seen resting, hanging for the winter. Many of these butterflies survive the whole winter as a dormant group, only to revive and mate in the following spring when the warmer weather sets in. Monarchs which overwinter in the trees live for about 7-9 months providing they survive the strong frosts, storms and wind conditions through winter. Monarchs that emerge during the summer months live approximately 6-8 weeks, once they have mated and laid all their eggs, their job is done.
The tree they're overwintering on is a Western Red Cedar.
Hibernating.....
.....small, fragile Monarchs form clusters on trees as they overwinter. The clusters are called 'Diapause', where they're seen resting, hanging for the winter. Many of these butterflies survive the whole winter as a dormant group, only to revive and mate in the following spring when the warmer weather sets in. Monarchs which overwinter in the trees live for about 7-9 months providing they survive the strong frosts, storms and wind conditions through winter. Monarchs that emerge during the summer months live approximately 6-8 weeks, once they have mated and laid all their eggs, their job is done.
The tree they're overwintering on is a Western Red Cedar.