Microenvironmental Factors Associated with the Winter Habitat of the Monarch Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Danaidae) in Central California

Abstract

Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (L.), cluster on trees in areas with little wind, low light levels, and low solar radiation. Butterflies move readily among trees within an overwintering grove, and their movements seem to be associated with wind direction and velocity. Avoidance of wind appears to be the key environmental factor that affects roosting behavior.