Among the approximately 700 species of North American butterflies there are three main strategies that have evolved for winter survival. The first involves diapause, either as an egg, a caterpillar, or in a protective pouch called a chrysalis. Hibernation in the adult form is the second strategy. The third and final solution is simply to head south. Listen to learn more…

This Field Note was written by Brett Walker. Would you be interested in writing one? Contact Allison De Jong, Field Notes editor, at adejong [at] montananaturalist [dot] org or 406.327.0405. Please visit the Field Notes website at the Montana Natural History Center for more information.