Pacific Grove Monarch
Conservancy :: Ecosystem
What
makes Pacific Grove's microclimate perfect for Monarchs to spend the
winter?
First, each of the California habitats is within a mile of the ocean and has a pattern of morning fog to bring a drink to the Monarchs each morning. They must have water every day.
The butterflies only need nectar every four to five days, and we supply that with butterfly gardens which many local people have planted in yards around the perimeter of the habitat. We call it the "Hospitality Zone." We have also planted a large number of nectar-source plants on the habitat property. Our butterflies do not have to go far to get a meal -- we spoil them in Pacific Grove.
Other microclimate parameters necessary for the Monarch's survival through the winter include a closed canopy of trees with a single opening to the sky to keep the temperature steady.
The basic temperature
throughout the winter is usually between 55 and 70 degrees. Anything
colder than 55 degrees, the Monarchs cannot fly. Anything hotter than
75 degrees for a long period of time would cause the butterflies to be
too active, using too much of their lipids to survive until spring.The habitat must also contain a mid-range of trees to act as wind buffers and the Monarchs also need trees with greenery from 20' to 40' off the ground, so that they can thermoregulate by moving themselves higher or lower in clusters as they deem necessary. Most of the Californian habitats are 100% Eucalyptus trees, but the Monarchs in Pacific Grove have traditionally used Monterey Pine trees as well as Eucalyptus and Cypress trees. Monarch butterflies on Monterey Pine (photo courtesy Sharon Blaziek)
