The annual painted lady butterfly migration is causing quite the stir in Southern California.
The beautiful insects make their way north each year in the Spring, in search of warmer weather.
'The painted lady migration is not rare but rather has been taking place for centuries,' President of Butterfly Rescue International, Lepidopterist Rick Mikula told Accuweather.
'In some years, the numbers aren’t as pronounced as they are this year.'
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The annual painted lady butterfly migration is causing quite the stir in Southern California, filling the skies with their beauty
The migration is California typically follows a north to northwest pattern, as the painted ladies travel from Southern California deserts to the Pacific Northwest.
Higher levels of desert rainfall has resulted in a larger number of North American painted lady butterflies migrating this season.
The North American butterflies lay their eggs in the desert.
'This year’s huge increase can be attributed to the California rains which help to increase the plant life in an otherwise sparse overwintering environment,' Mikula said.
The beautiful insects of North America make their way north each year in the Spring, in search of warmer weather
'The painted lady migration is not rare but rather has been taking place for centuries,' President of Butterfly Rescue International, Lepidopterist Rick Mikula told Accuweather
'In some years, the numbers aren’t as pronounced as they are this year,' Mikula said before explaining why this year is special
The migration is California typically follows a north to northwest pattern, as the painted ladies travel from Southern California deserts to the Pacific Northwest
Higher levels of desert rainfall has resulted in a larger number of North American painted lady butterflies migrating this year
Thriving plant lift provided plenty of food for painted lady caterpillars, fueling their growth into butterflies.
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