Monarchs flight through Botetourt

For several years, the monarch butterfly was scare traveling through Botetourt migrating on the way to Mexico to winter grounds. This year a bumper crop of the orange and black beauties are on their way through Botetourt County.

These pictured butterflies are in the garden of Susan Kasey Richardson in Fincastle.

Monarch butterflies go through four stages during one life cycle, and through four generations in one year. The four stages of the Monarch are, egg, caterpillar, Pupa and Butterfly. Plant milkweed to aid the Monarch on its journey!

The butterflies winter in northern Mexico where they hang in trees in a communal setting.Story by Cathy Benson Photo Susan Richardson