I noticed over the years that it was a rare occasion to see a Monarch butterfly until the fall months. Now I know why. Ever since elementary school we have all known the life cycle of a butterfly. But there's something different about the cycle of Monarch butterflies. In March and April the first generations of Monarchs are born. Thriving off milkweed the larvae grow and in two weeks are fully grown caterpillars. They then form a cocoon and after six days emerge as an adult butterfly. From two to six weeks the butterflies pollinate, reproduce, and die.
In May and June the second generation is born, and in July and August the third. These groups follow the same life cycle as the first generation. The fourth generation, however, has a lifestyle of its own.
Born in the months of September and October, the fourth generation of monarchs hatch and go through metamorphosis but instead of dying after two to six weeks, these fascinating creatures migrate (sometimes in massive amounts) to the warmer climates of southern America and Mexico. Here they will thrive for six to eight months until it is time to migrate back, reproduce, and begin the entire cycle again.
Kentucky is right in the middle of the Monarch's migration path, a mere pit stop for the long journey across North America into Mexico.
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