The Nature of Monarch Butterflies

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

The mystery of the monarch is explained in this very readable text by a
well-known British Columbia zoologist. For ages, naturalists have tried
to reconcile two known facts. First, we know that monarch butterflies
have a life span of six to eight weeks. Second, we know they migrate to
Mexico each fall and survive the winter to migrate back to Canada in the
spring. Grace tells us how these two conflicting facts can both be
correct.

The book also explains the unique relationship of monarch and milkweed,
how scientists trace the monarch’s flight paths, and other mysteries
drawn from the lifecycle of these beautiful insects.

Grace doesn’t hold back on detail, giving us a book rich with facts
and illustrative examples. At the same time the text moves along at a
good pace, maintaining the reader’s interest. More than 50 large color
photos, including many close-ups, make it easy to visualize points
discussed in the text.

The Nature of Monarch Butterflies will be welcomed by field and
armchair naturalists, gardeners, science teachers, and anyone who is
intrigued by nature’s mysteries.