King Of Butterflies
Monarchs are known as the king of the butterfly due to their amazing nature of being the only species to travel over 2,500 miles for migration. The first batch of Monarch Butterfly March and April the eggs are laid on milkweed plants. The second generation of monarch butterflies is born in May and June, and then the third generation will be born in July and August. With those being last migration south.
Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly
Monarch females usually lay 300-500 eggs within a span of 2-5 weeks. Females do not care their young after hatching, however they do lay their eggs on a host plant that they can eat after hatching.
(Egg Stage 3-5 days)
The larva stage is the growing stage of the Monarch, at this time it is referred to as a caterpillar. At this time the caterpillar is feeding off milkweed and shedding their skin.
(last about 9-14 days)
Pupa is the stage in which a Monarch caterpillar hangs from a silk mat which comes out the bottom of the head. At this stage the Monarch begins to develop wings and other adult organs. The pupa stage is not to be called a cocoon but rather chrysalis.
(This stage of development last 8-15 days)
Once the monarch has developed it enters the adulthood stage. At this stage their primary job is to mate, reproduce and lay eggs. They begin reproducing when they are 3-8 days old when they mate they remain together for up to 16 hours. Females begin laying eggs immediately after.
(Summer monarchs generally live 2-5 weeks and fall/winter monarchs live up to 9 months.)