Did you know we have a national insect? (I know Keith and Jeffrey probably did, but other people with normal sized brains?) Well, I didn't. I have no idea why we need one, but I guess if we're going to have one, the monarch is a worthy recipient of the title. Monarchs may not seem real sexy to the casual observer, but I'm here to tell you that they're hot! Monarchs have a pretty
amazing life cycle. For example, Monarchs from the Northern Rocky mountains migrate south to Mexico each year where they inhabit no more than a 70 square mile area for the winter. The migration cycle is longer than the butterflies life span, so somehow their tiny little bug brains have to hold the navigation information in such a way that it can be passed on to future generations so they can complete the round trip.
This winter Christa and I decided to escape our respective tundras and travel down to Mexico to observe the hibernating butterflies in the Michoacan state. Neither of us are really butterfly buffs or naturalists of any sort, but we were both incredibly impressed with the experience. It was definitely worth the three and a half day trip it took us to get there (no joke!). When we were there we met a guy who loves Monarchs so much, he got his PhD in Monarch life cycles. He now works at the Smithsonian, but he comes back to Mexico each winter to lead nature tours of the Monarch sanctuaries. How cool are you sir?
This picture shows the butterflies all clumped onto tree branches where they are hibernating. (If one did not bring binoculars one might have missed this). Monarch watching wasn't all we did though. During our week long hiatus from our husbands, we also managed to hike a volcano, visit a colonial city, and sip pina coladas poolside before heading out to the sand for some volleyball. (Another rule of thumb: when hiking volcanoes in Mexico, don't tell your guide you're pregnant unless you really want to freak him out.) Mom and baby did great, and we're already planning our next sunny vacation.
Did you know we have a national insect? (I know Keith and Jeffrey probably did, but other people with normal sized brains?) Well, I didn't. I have no idea why we need one, but I guess if we're going to have one, the monarch is a worthy recipient of the title. Monarchs may not seem real sexy to the casual observer, but I'm here to tell you that they're hot! Monarchs have a pretty amazing life cycle. For example, Monarchs from the Northern Rocky mountains migrate south to Mexico each year where they inhabit no more than a 70 square mile area for the winter. The migration cycle is longer than the butterflies life span, so somehow their tiny little bug brains have to hold the navigation information in such a way that it can be passed on to future generations so they can complete the round trip.
This winter Christa and I decided to escape our respective tundras and travel down to Mexico to observe the hibernating butterflies in the Michoacan state. Neither of us are really butterfly buffs or naturalists of any sort, but we were both incredibly impressed with the experience. It was definitely worth the three and a half day trip it took us to get there (no joke!). When we were there we met a guy who loves Monarchs so much, he got his PhD in Monarch life cycles. He now works at the Smithsonian, but he comes back to Mexico each winter to lead nature tours of the Monarch sanctuaries. How cool are you sir? 
This picture shows the butterflies all clumped onto tree branches where they are hibernating. (If one did not bring binoculars one might have missed this). Monarch watching wasn't all we did though. During our week long hiatus from our husbands, we also managed to hike a volcano, visit a colonial city, and sip pina coladas poolside before heading out to the sand for some volleyball. (Another rule of thumb: when hiking volcanoes in Mexico, don't tell your guide you're pregnant unless you really want to freak him out.) Mom and baby did great, and we're already planning our next sunny vacation.
3 comments:
You should plant milkweed in your yard to attract monarchs!
whoa. totally channelled preschool mom on that one!
When we lived in Yuma, we would somehow always plan a drive to San Diego during the Painted Lady migration. Not nearly as colorful or sexy as it sounds, the painted lady basically looks like a weenie version of a monarch. AND THERE ARE MILLIONS OF THEM.
The trouble is, it's the desert. There aren't really any lovely big trees for them to congregate on. So they just waft around planting themselves on your bumper, despite all attempts to maneuver in vain around them.
When you got back to town, your bumper would be a sad mess of very, very sticky wings and antennae. The car wash places used special (I'm sure environmentally unfriendly) solvents to get them off.
Your pictures look like you had an awesome time!
* and as a side note: Jeffrey, three people I've never met, and I kicked some butt at the annual SBA Trivia night. Second-place = Chipotle gift cards! I put us over the edge with my amazing knowledge of Poe. (Question: What educational establishment was Poe kicked out of. Answer: Westpoint. Reason I Know This: Episode of the Gilmore Girls where a Poe fan club visit the town and an argument ensues over where Poe was kicked out of. Oh yes. I am THAT lame.)
OK. I think this comment is now longer than the actual blog entry.
See you soon!
Milkweek, I'll remember that. It will have to be somewhere far from the doggie side of the yard seeing what they did to Terry's horse radish plants (within 24 hr of planting no less).
Extremely impressive Poe knowledge. Who cares where the knowledge came from, all that matters is that it was there! Looking forward to seeing you all in lovely Arizona.
Just so you can properly prepare: There are TWO Anthropologies in Scottsdale and one in Tucson and they are having a sale. Discounted adorableness and no shipping. Bring the big luggage!
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