Migrating Monarchs on an Abelia Honeysuckle bush outside Farmers Branch City Hall, October 2014. Monarchs go through four stages during one life cycle (Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis, Butterfly) and through four generations in one year. The final generation of hibernating Monarchs emerges from hibernation in February / March, finds a mate, and migrates north and east. In March and April the eggs are laid on milkweed plants. Caterpillars feed on the milkweed allowing the Monarchs to store a poison that is harmful to vertebrate predators. The butterflies live for between two and six weeks. The second and third generations are born in May / June and July / August. The fourth generation is born in September / October and migrates to warmer climates - east of the Rocky Mountains they go to Mexico and hibernate in Oyamel fir trees, west of the Rockies they go to Southern California and hibernate in Eucalyptus trees. Info from www.learnaboutnature.com

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