Topic: Moths and Butterflies

Checkers: A California wildflower for bees and butterflies

A pretty pink wildflower that adapts to various California growing conditions, checkers (Sidalcea neomexicana) attracts a variety of butterflies and native bees.

The uncomplicated charms of Zimbabwe

As a crowd of American tourists arrive, an expat rediscovers he love for Zimbabwe.

Saving monarch butterflies stirs the 'poetical soul' of Homero Aridjis

Homero Aridjis, one of Mexico's top environmentalists and poets, has led the battle to save the habitat of monarch butterflies, Pacific gray whales, and sea turtles.

Nor'easter

A poem.

Native plants help sustain birds and beneficial insects

A growing movement in North America advocates planting more native plants that are needed by birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Scientists discover that caterpillars can whistle

Caterpillars can whistle, a new study has found. One species was found to be whistling to frighten away birds.

Milkweed: Not just for monarch butterflies

Milkweed is best known for its usefulness to monarch butterflies, but it's a good plant for gardeners, too.

Monarch butterflies migration headed towards Mexico

Monarch butterflies migration from the John Ball Park Zoo to Mexico is for one family the culmination of a season of raising several generations of Monarch butterflies.

How butterfly wings can stop counterfeit currency

The brilliant optical effect of tropical butterfly wings, a result of light bouncing off microscopic structures on the insects' wings, can be reproduced to improve the security of paper money.

Artificial butterfly reveals mysteries of flight

Researchers have constructed a replica of a swallowtail butterfly to learn the secrets of how this big-winged insect takes flight.

California butterflies having a tough time

In California, butterflies are being affected by warmer temperatures and habitat loss.

Mexico cuts down trees to save monarch butterflies

Many fir trees in Mexico that provide winter homes for monarch butterflies are being killed by bark beetles.

Roses and butterflies

How monarch butterflies find their way to Mexico

A new study shows that the butterflies' antennae are key.

Endangered butterfly spreads its wings in England

Warmer temperatures have allowed the Duke of Burgundy butterfly to flourish this year.

Six Picks: Recommendations from the Monitor staff

Listen to a new CD of soulful Portuguese songs, watch tiny tough butterflies migrate south, see the president's flying office Air Force One from the inside, and more.

Bees protect plants as well as pollinate them

Butterfly helpers

Kids tag and release butterflies to track the insects' migratory patterns.

For kids: Look at that moth!

Meet a man who raises cecropia moths, one of the largest species in North America.

A poetic welcome to spring

A poem