Monarch Butterfly Migration

Monarch Butterfly feeding on nectar from New England Aster

I photographed this Monarch Butterfly today. The Monarchs are migrating south now that the growing season is ending.  The Fall wildflower that I see them on the most is New England Aster.

Migration has always seemed magical to me. How can a hummingbirds, which weigh only 5-grams (as much as a Nickel) have the endurance to cross the Gulf of Mexico (500 miles)?  Monarch butterflies routinely migrate farther than that, and they weigh less and are as delicate as a rose petal.

Do you see the second insect in the picture above?

Only after I started to work the picture up did I notice the Chinese mantis (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis). It is hanging just under the purple flowers; it's eyes are at the bottom. Great camauflouge! This is another example of an exotic (introduced) species.

Comments

[John Storjohann]

Beautiful image, Henry...and it took me a minute to find the second bug! Once I found it..it was more like, "How did I miss that to begin with?"...but initially it was very well hidden by it's natural camoflauge. Do you have a lot of monarchs migrating through? It looks to me that there's a good bit of color in the fields yet..am I mistaken? I've yet to make it up there in the fall..hopefully the fall foliage will be specatular and I'll be able to make the trip. Take care, I hope to see you soon.