SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The end of summer and the beginning of fall is a unique time in Missouri when we see more pollinators as they migrate south before it gets cold. One of those pollinators is the Monarch Butterfly.
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center has been following the life cycle of monarch butterflies that they have taken care of since they hatched from their eggs. One of those butterflies emerged from its chrysalis while Ozarks First was there.
When monarch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises, they have to get their wings ready to fly. They’re wings start small and crumpled up, but once they pump enough blood into their wings and dry off, they are ready to start the long migration journey to Mexico.
The monarchs that are migrating have never been to Mexico before and already have the instincts to make the trip.
Hungry hummingbirds passing through Missouri
This migration is why we see more monarch butterflies in Missouri; it’s the combination of resident butterflies emerging from their chrysalises and the butterflies that are passing through on their way south…