Monarch Butterfly

One of the most beloved butterflies of North America, the monarch is famous for its spectacular migrational travels. Unlike birds or migrating whales, individual butterflies only make the trip once in their lives. Amazingly, several generations later, a new group of monarchs, which are scientifically described as Danaus plexippus, make the migratory journey. The butterflies return to the same roost area and trees visited by others the previous year with only instinct to guide them.