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Large Groups of Monarch Butterflies Resting / Overwintering, Monarch Grove Sanctuary, Pacific Grove, California, America - Dec 2011
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Yang / Rex Features (1527294g)
A close up of a single monarch butterfly on a tree branch.
Butterflies Cluster to Keep Warm
These fascinating images show thousands of Monarch Butterflies clustered together in order to conserve heat during the winter months.
Every year over 25,000 Monarch Butterflies huddle together on the pine and eucalyptus trees of Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, California.
Arriving in October it is thought the butterflies come from as far north as Canada, triggered by the decreasing daylight and freezing temperatures the Monarchs begin flying south towards the overwintering grounds sometimes up to 2,000 miles away.
After reaching their destination the Monarchs cluster in large masses to conserve heat and energy as their flight muscles do not function well unless the temperature is above 55 degrees.
Wildlife photographer Michael Yang visited the Monarch Grove Sanctuary on Boxing Day to witness the unique migration.
He said: "When I was there the temperature was in the mid 50's equivalent to ten degrees Celsius, which meant the majority of the Monarch Butterflies were in the cluster. However, it is not uncommon to see stray butterflies fluttering about."
During warmer days Monarchs will look for food sources such as nectar but always return to the clusters at night.
This migration is so unique because migrating species such as birds sand whales, the same individuals have travelled the migration route year after year however, migrating Monarchs have never been to their destination before because several generations of Monarchs would have lived and died since last year's butterfly migration.
A female Monarch Butterfly has approximately six weeks to seek out nectar, mate and lay eggs before she dies.
Michael also explained: "What makes this year so special is the sheer number of Monarch Butter...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/VJTQCEVKP
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_23671735_REX
Large Groups of Monarch Butterflies Resting / Overwintering, Monarch Grove Sanctuary, Pacific Grove, California, America - Dec 2011
IMAGES OUTSIDE OF PRINT NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS.
FEES APPLY FOR UNIQUE IPAD USE.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Yang / Rex Features (1527294g)
A close up of a single monarch butterfly on a tree branch.
Large Groups of Monarch Butterflies Resting / Overwintering, Monarch Grove Sanctuary, Pacific Grove, California, America - Dec 2011
FULL FEATURE: http://www.rexfeatures.com/nanolink/el8v
These fascinating images show thousands of Monarch Butterflies clustered together in order to conserve heat during the winter months.
Every year over 25,000 Monarch Butterflies huddle together on the pine and eucalyptus trees of Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, California.
Arriving in October it is thought the butterflies come from as far north as Canada, triggered by the decreasing daylight and freezing temperatures the Monarchs begin flying south towards the overwintering grounds sometimes up to 2,000 miles away.
After reaching their destination the Monarchs cluster in large masses to conserve heat and energy as their flight muscles do not function well unless the temperature is above 55 degrees.
Wildlife photographer Michael Yang visited the Monarch Grove Sanctuary on Boxing Day to witness the unique migration.
(FOTO:DUKAS/REX)
DUKAS/REX