The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) migrates every autumn from Canada and northern USA to Mexico. The adults normally only live for a few weeks. However, the ones that migrate live for seven to eight months. In the spring they will reach sexual maturity. The returning Monarchs have the usual lifespan and so the return journey takes several generations.
The Monarchs are endangered and so our local butterfly conservatory does what it can to help their numbers. Here you can see an adult that has just emerged from its chrysalis and is waiting for its wings to dry. Next to it, another adult is just starting to emerge.
Nikon Zf, 24-70/4S
