Entomologist Phil Torres goes “where science takes him”, so his website states.
A degree in Entomology and Biology from Cornell University coupled with lots of experience in the field (jungle?) means he’s shared his research and discoveries with Wired, BBC, Animal Planet, ABC News, and National Geographic among others.
This time, Torres takes us deep in to the woods for the sound of millions of Monarch butterflies.
One of the most amazing species on this planet, Monarch butterflies can be distinguished by an unmistakable pattern on their delicate wings.
A mass migration takes place during each winter which brings millions of these monarchs to Mexico and California.
Some don’t make it all the way, while some do make it but eventually freeze to death.
Monarchs who make it are able to relax, regenerate in the warm sun, and drink from the flowers before flying back home in the spring.
Torres walks high up and deep in to the woods discussing what these butterflies are and then talks about that unique sound they make when millions of them come together.
By the way, he’s like our modern Jeff Corwin or Steve Irwin.
Torres has lived in the Amazon Rainforest for two years.
He has vast research on many topics and animals, even covering stories in Mongolia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Cambodia, Sweden, Brazil, the Arctic, the bottom of the ocean, and the Bahamas.
And that’s only some of the places he’s been to for science.
He follows a swarm of butterflies in a Mexican forest who have gathered in clusters on trees.
The monarchs have covered entire branches and leaves.
Torres asks that you look closely.
He points the camera up to the tress and on a few butterflies, discussing how they thrive together and how they cover almost everything you see.
What an incredible sight these butterflies make.
The sun comes out, warming up the monarchs and letting them take flight all together in a marvelous display of grace and color.
Torres asks his viewers to wait for what’s called a “waterfall”.
All the butterflies allow their wings to flap together creating a sound similar to that of a waterfall.
Stunning doesn’t do them justice.
Their population is declining making these butterflies an endangered species.
Monarchs are down 26% from last year’s count since they are threatened by pesticides, climate change, urban sprawl, and illegal logging of the forests.
That does affect them a lot since they migrate for the winter.
They eat milkweed, but that plant has been affected by increased herbicide spraying and other chemicals that are too toxic for young caterpillars.
Torres says you can help protect this species by planting native milkweed and wildflowers.
If that means more monarch music then by all means. These butterflies are just to beautiful.
He calls them a “world treasure” and you know what, Torres is right.
Hit play below and enjoy the sights and sounds of the monarch butterfly!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
