- Author: Andrea Giacoletti
- Editor: Noni Todd
By Andrea Giacoletti
October 21, 2013
The Monarch’s are coming! The Monarch’s are coming!
Yes, it’s that time again. October marks the descent of the Monarch butterfly to the treetops of the Central Coast. The Rita Hayworth of butterflies, the Monarch is neither wallflower nor homebody. Traveling from as far north as Canada and as far south as South America, the monarch graces the coast with a dramatic display, staying for a good portion of the year as it overwinters in great colonies that defy gravity and personal space.
The quickest of the “flight” flutter in during October in search of an overwintering site. No vacancy signs appear by mid-November as the Monarch begins the official hibernation period. The advent of spring encourages mating behavior. The female is first to leave in search of the precious milkweed plant (Asciepias species) where she lays her eggs.
The Monarch caterpillar is a picky eater dining solely on the milkweed plant. Some may call him a snob, but it is his discerning palate that serves as a defense for the entire species. Milkweed contains a chemical that is poisonous to predators. And we all know how caterpillars are – voracious. Camouflage is not the Monarch’s cup of tea. Instead, this species employs aposematism, which is a perceivable defense mechanism, such as color, smell or odor that benefits both predator and prey by getting straight to the point. The Monarch butterfly’s orange color warns predators that they are far from a tasty snack. This strategy is the opposite of crypsis, which is a form of camouflage cleverly seen in insects such as stick bugs, which not only alter their color, but are capable of mimicking a stick, even swaying in the wind as a small branch would.
It is a disheartening state of affairs that the number of Monarch butterflies has significantly dropped over the years. Reductions of habitat and food sources are among the causes of decreased numbers. You can do your part by adopting IPM strategies and limiting the use of pesticides in your garden.
Various locations in the central coast attract the Monarch butterfly, but the premier spot for viewing is at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. Located in Oceano, the eucalyptus grove at the Pismo State Beach North Campground is one of the largest single sites in California.
A mobile trailer has information, gifts, educational material, and docents to answer questions. There is no fee. Visit http://www.monarchbutterfly.org/ for more info.
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Join us for the UCCE Master Gardeners Information OPEN HOUSE to learn how to become a Certified Master Gardener.
October 31, 2013
1:00-2:30 - Master Gardeners will explain the training and certification process and answer all your questions.
2:30-4:00 - Master Gardeners will lead a walk through the demonstration garden and answer any additional questions you have.
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers that extend science-based gardening information from the University of California to the public. The Master Gardener’s role is that of an educator.