National Start Seeing Monarchs Day 2023: National Start Seeing Monarchs Day is observed annually on the first Saturday of May, which falls on May 6 this year. It’s all about raising awareness of the environmental significance of monarch butterflies and reminding the general public of the issues associated with this species’ impending extinction.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL START SEEING MONARCHS DAY
Monarch butterflies can be found throughout North America, with the greatest concentration in the eastern United States. They are regarded as the most renowned butterfly species in the country. These caterpillars migrate annually during late summer and autumn. Those born in the northern and central United States and Canada migrate to Florida and Mexico, while those born in the western region also migrate to southern California. Additionally, monarchs inhabit the International Space Station!
There are four stages in the life cycle of a butterfly. The first is the egg, which is deposited beneath young milkweed leaves. It takes them between three and eight days to transform into larva, the second stage of their life cycle. Larvae, also known as caterpillars, are the stage in which a species grows the most and consumes the most food in order to develop into a pupa. The third stage of the life cycle is the pupa, during which the caterpillar spends between eight and fifteen days within its chrysalis before emerging as a gorgeous butterfly.
The monarch butterfly can survive for up to eight months by consuming milkweed and other nectar-producing plants, making it one of the many animal species responsible for pollinating plants and flowers worldwide. Once they reach sexual maturity and are designated adults, it takes them some time to begin their migration, which occurs only after the winter has passed. Migration requires four distinct generations to conclude.
NATIONAL START SEEING MONARCHS DAY ACTIVITIES
Visit a monarch
If you are in an area where butterflies may be passing through, why not attempt to spot and photograph some of them outside? Not only will it be a sight to behold, but you’ll also capture some interesting images for your social media accounts!
Publish about it
Even if you were unable to capture a stunning image of monarchs, why not post about them so your peers can learn more about them? This may encourage them to go sight-seeing on their own?
Draw a monarch
Posting a drawing or painting of a monarch butterfly on social media is another excellent method to commemorate this event. You could even hang your masterpiece on the wall to remind everyone of this special occasion.
National Fitness Day 2023: Date, History, Significance and Facts
5 FACTS ABOUT MONARCH BUTTERFLIES YOU’LL LOVE
They travel as far as 3,000 miles.
Monarch butterflies can travel up to 3,000 miles across the United States and into Mexico each year.
They develop rapidly
During their two-week caterpillar stage, monarch butterflies gain an average of 2,700 times their initial weight.
They are very large
In comparison to the average butterfly, monarchs are quite large, reaching the size of a tumbler!
They do not live lengthy lives.
The average monarch butterfly lifespan is seven months!
There is only a single host plant
The only vegetation to which monarch butterflies are attracted is milkweed!
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL START SEEING MONARCHS DAY
It elevates consciousness
It’s not often that we get to hear about the magnificent monarch butterfly ecosystem. Therefore, it’s fantastic that we have a whole day dedicated to that!
It links us with environment
We have a tendency to feel disconnected from nature at times, particularly if we reside in a tumultuous urban setting. This day serves as a reminder to communicate with the smallest elements of nature whenever possible.
It brings us closer together.
What better way to bring together friends and family than to search the city for monarch butterflies? Take a journey and see what you can discover!
NATIONAL START SEEING MONARCHS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 7 | Saturday |
| 2023 | May 6 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 4 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 3 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 2 | Saturday |
