Encuentros en la Biología

The cover page

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a species of lepidopteran native to the American continent, known for its complex and extensive annual migration. Each year, it travels more than 4,000 km from the northern United States and southern Canada to central Mexico forests, where it hibernates. Its characteristic orange and black colors not only make it easily identifiable, but also serve a defensive function by scaring off potential predators. Although native to the Americas, the monarch butterfly was introduced in the 19th century to Australia and New Zealand, where this photograph was taken (Hamilton). As with many species of lepidoptera, the monarch faces threats from habitat loss and climate change, making it urgent to promote conservation actions for this and other species.

Rubén Fernández Santamaría

rubenfernandezsantamaria@gmail.com