The Monarch is the best known of the North American butterflies, and is also a true citizen of the world. Known as the Wanderer in Australia, (first found in 1871) - and also seen in New Zealand (since the 19th century) - the Monarch's European habitat includes the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira and parts of Western Europe.
Monarchs migrate in massive numbers over North America and well into Mexico - southward from August until the first frost and then back north in the spring. They are now also becoming more common in Bermuda and are one of the few insects capable of making trans-Atlantic crossings. Some Monarchs show up in the far southwest of Great Britain when wind conditions allow.
Monarchs are found in a wide range of habitats, including fields, meadows, prairie remnants, urban and suburban parks, gardens and roads. Conifer groves provide safe harbour in winter. Colouring, markings and poisonous/bad tasting fluids keep the Monarch very safe from natural predators.
The Monarch is the State Butterfly of Vermont and Virginia, and State Insect of Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota and Texas. In 1990, an attempt was made to name the Monarch as National Insect (along with the honeybee) of the United States.
Monarchs are attracted to the Butterfly Gardens that people use Milkweed to develop. The beautiful companions are also raised for fun and for educational purposes. Sanctuaries have been developed for flocks migrating in winter, and schools have programmes to breed monarchs before releasing them to the wild.
Monarchs are also gently tagged and identified - to better track the patterns and distances of their migration.
Habitat restoration of wintering grounds - and designation of the Monarch as a Protected Species - are both underway, in light of the illegal deforestation of some areas that Monarchs favour as they migrate.
The monarch - winged wanderer - is a colourful, vibrant, friendly gift of nature and a wonderful neighbour on Earth.