The Scotch Ridge Center Debuter and Debutant (Danaus plexippus) the Monarch
Butterfly make their first appearance in our community.
The Monarch Trail leading from the main gate at Scotch Ridge Center’s entrance
on Highway has been signed and flagged with orange and yellow to represent the
Royal Butterfly Society.
The best known of all North American butterflies the Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
is a swamp milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae), in the family Nymphalidae.
Named the Monarch because it is one of the largest of our butterflies, and rules
a vast domain.
Male Monarchs are slightly larger usually with a darker orange then the Female
and have a spot in the center of each hindwing from which pheromones are
released. Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings.
The Viceroy butterfly is making its debut as well. It has a similar size, color,
and pattern, and can be distinguished from the Monarch by an extra black stripe
across the hindwing.
The Monarch habitat is just an easy half a mile hike from the main gate. It has
been rainy as of late so don’t try to drive down near the river or you will
get stuck! Wear sensible shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, a hat,
sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Be sure to carry
water with you.
The migrating adult Monarchs were seen two weeks ago at the habitat, eggs hatch
(after 4 days), The caterpillar stage lasts around 2 weeks. The mature butterfly
emerges after about two pupal weeks and hangs from the split chrysalis for
several hours until its wings are dry (often in the morning). Meanwhile fluids
are pumped into the crinkled wings until they become full and stiff. Some of
this orangey fluid (called meconium) drips from the wings. FINALLY (usually in
the afternoon) the monarch spreads its wings, quivers them to be sure they are
stiff, and then flies away, to feed on a variety of flowers
In 2007 hundreds if not thousands of butterflies emerged from their chrysalis at
the same time. They fluttered around the habitat for several days. Visitors had
dozens of butterflies land on them as the Monarchs explored their new domain.
Please come and visit the Monarch Habitat at Scotch Ridge Center and enjoy the
wonder of nature’s most fascinating phenomenon.
Yours truly, Rand Richardson
More information at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_Butterfly
http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/monarchbutterflies/monarchbutterflie
s.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp_milkweed
