Tanya Jackson+FollowMonarch butterflies’ epic journey: The Methuselah generationMonarch butterflies that fly thousands of miles from the U.S. to Mexico aren’t your average summer flutterers—they’re part of a special Methuselah generation that lives up to nine months, way longer than the usual two to six weeks! These long-lived travelers make the entire migration south in one go, while it takes several generations to return north. Scientists still don’t fully understand how these butterflies pull off such a feat, but their ability to pause reproduction until the journey’s end is a big part of the mystery. What do you think makes these monarchs so unique? #Pets #MonarchButterflies #Migration30Share
Richard Vaughan+FollowBoston gardens face threat to monarchsBlack swallow-wort is quietly taking over gardens around Boston, and it’s a real problem for monarch butterflies. The plant tricks monarchs into laying eggs on it, but their caterpillars can’t survive there—so we’re losing new generations. Climate change is making this weed even more stubborn. If you spot those dark, twining vines with seed pods in your yard, pull them out (roots and all) and toss them in the trash, not the compost. Has anyone else noticed this invader popping up? What’s worked for you in getting rid of it? #Science #Boston #MonarchButterflies10Share
