The Royal Majesty of Monarch Butterflies

When it comes to the most impressive migrations in the animal kingdom , there are a few obvious standouts: the pole-to-pole voyage of the Arctic Tern; the horizon-spanning race of Wildebeests across the Serengeti; the bear-dodging spawning runs of Chinook Salmon.

In the insect world, however, pretty much everything pales in comparison to the daunting voyage of Monarch Butterflies from Central Mexico to Canada and back again. Every year, these tiny, beautiful insects embark on this trip, which takes multiple generations to complete ... except when it doesn't.

At the onset of fall, a single generation of butterflies completes the entire trip back to Mexico, a task that sounds laughably impossible for a featherweight insect with gossamer-delicate, three-inch wings. Yet they do it, every ... single ... year.

The Tennessee Aquarium sits squarely in the middle of the migration route for the eastern population of Monarch Butterflies, making it a prime viewing location for these orange-and-gold beauties as they make their way northward each fall. In this episode, the Aquarium's senior entomologist talks about Monarchs set people's hearts a-flutter, the biological processes that allow them to undertake their unbelievable trip and steps society is taking to protect Monarchs from the greatest threat of all: us.

Episode Cast

• Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist and butterfly adorant
• Rose Segbers, senior entomologist

Additional Resources

• The Tennessee Aquarium's Butterfly Garden: https://tnaqua.org/exhibit/butterfly-garden/
• Flight of the Butterflies trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nww3L5b0wno
• Make Way for Monarchs (The Tennessee Conservationist): https://digital.tnconservationist.org/publication/?i=850997&article_id=5026054&view=articleBrowser
• Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation's Project Milkweed: https://xerces.org/milkweed

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

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