Memories and Monarchs

I was scrolling my Instagram feed looking back at some fond memories…..I just love the timing of this monarch joining our engagement session!

Direct link to my original post: https://www.instagram.com/p/BdYDGfzhRzT/

Lighthouse Field State Park Monarch History
Lighthouse Field State Park in Santa Cruz, California, is known for hosting migrating monarch butterflies. These butterflies are part of the western monarch population that travels from colder regions to the California coast during winter. Lighthouse Field serves as a winter roosting site, offering a unique environment with eucalyptus trees that provide shelter and consistent temperatures, crucial for the monarchs' survival.

Monarchs typically arrive at the park between October and November and stay through February before heading north to breed. This site is part of a network of coastal overwintering locations that help sustain the species during colder months.

I took this image in December 2017. I was shooting an engagement session at Lighthouse Field and we had just ended the session, as we were walking back towards our cars we were passing by the grouping of tree’s where the monarchs usually congregate.

This gorgeous monarch landed on Ryan, so we stopped in our tracks and took a few moments to capture it’s beauty, along with Ally’s stunning engagement ring of course!

There is never a dull nature moment in Santa Cruz!

If you would like to learn a little bit more about these colorful friends, read on! Otherwise, thank you for visiting my blog today!

@MamaTWeddingPhotography / Mama-T.com / ©2025 Monterey & Santa Cruz, California USA

Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Family: Nymphalidae

1. Life Cycle:
   Monarch butterflies have a four-stage life cycle:

   • Egg: Laid on milkweed plants.

   • Larva (Caterpillar): Feeds on milkweed, storing toxins that protect against predators.

   • Pupa (Chrysalis): Undergoes metamorphosis.

   • Adult Butterfly: Emerges as a winged butterfly.

2. Migration:
   Monarchs are renowned for their long migrations.

   • Eastern population: Migrates to Mexico's oyamel fir forests in Michoacán.

   • Western population: Overwinters along the California coast, including Lighthouse Field.

   • Migration can cover thousands of miles, guided by environmental cues like sunlight and temperature.

3. Habitat and Diet:

   • Habitat: Prefers areas with milkweed plants for breeding and a mix of flowering plants for nectar.

   • Diet: Adult monarchs feed on nectar, while larvae consume milkweed.

4. Conservation Status:
   Monarchs are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and reduced availability of milkweed. Efforts to plant milkweed and protect overwintering sites are crucial to their survival.