An news article about monarch butterflies

An article appeared in yesterday's Washington Post about monarch butterflies and how they migrate from Canada and the U.S. to Central Mexico each fall to spend the winter months. Many millions of them have been making the journey south for countless years. The small areas in Mexico have become a tourist destination for people who are amazed at the sheer numbers of so many butterflies congregating in one place. The monarchs are fairly dormant during November through February, staying on Oyamel trees (a type of fir). The outer layers of butterflies help protect the inner layers if there is a cold snap. In the early spring, they begin fluttering about, mating, and following the newly-emerged milkweed, where the females will lay their eggs. In this way, they will begin a northward migration, heading through Mexico and on into Texas, to disperse to other states. These monarchs have been alive for about 7-8 months. They will then die and their offspring will continue the journey north.