Monarch Butterflies and Migration

What an interesting story!  Monarch butterflies are the only insects that migrate.  They move from Canada and the US in the late summer to central Mexico for their winter hibernation. The distance between their summer and winter homes is 2,000-3,000 miles!   

Monarchs have a life expectancy of 5-7 weeks, which means that the first ones flying north for the summer will not reach their ultimate destination.  On their flight they seek milkweed plants on which to lay some eggs. The eggs hatch and become caterpillars. In a few weeks the caterpillars become butterflies. It takes 2 or 3 generations of Monarchs to reach their northern home.   

Monarch migration is written into their DNA. 

Human migration shows up in our DNA too.  All of us, including Native Americans, have come from someplace else long, long ago.  Our ancestors sought safety, security, food, freedom, and happiness for as long as human beings have dwelt on this earth. 

Lest we forget, our Statue of Liberty testifies to this truth about our homeland in the words of Emma Lazarus: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” What's  happening to our welcome mat?