How do the colors of the wings and thorax affect the amount of solar energy a monarch can absorb?
Dark colors absorb more solar energy than light colors. In this photo, notice the way the monarch holds its wings and faces the sun as it basks. The upper side of the wings are dark orange and black; the wings are held to expose the black thorax, too.
Basking is an important adaptation for survival; it enables a monarch to warm up on a cool day! When the muscles are warm enough, the butterfly can move its legs and wings...and the migration can continue!
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To learn more about how cold temperatures affect flight and migration, check out this week's slideshow, Too Cold to Fly?
Photo: Wayne Kryduba