Intro: Monarchs butterflies are now traveling through Missouri to Mexico, but they are a week late.
Each year, monarch butterflies trek thousands of miles to Mexico.
Some scientists have voiced concerns that this year's drought will leave the bugs without enough food.
But University of Nebraska entomologist Steve Spomer (SPOOM-er) says he's only worried about their delayed departure.
Spomer says that the monarchs' flight depends on when the butterflies sense cold weather. The warmer than usual weather in the Midwest has kept the butterflies around longer this migration season. From the state capital,I'm Beverly Rivera.
Actuality: SPOMER2.WAV
Run Time: 00:11
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Intro: Dry weather has caused some concern for the fate of the annual migration of of monarch butterflies through Missouri this fall. But not all agree.
University of Nebraska entomologist Steve Spomer says monarch butterflies will not face any unusual obstacles in their yearly migration to the south.
Spomer says that not every butterfly survives the 2,500 mile journey to Mexico.
However, any decrease in population is negated during mating season in the spring.
From Jefferson City, I'm Beverly Rivera.
Monarch butterflies began their annual journey to Mexico, but they didn't leave on time.
University of Nebraska entomologist Steve Spomer says a week long delay is acceptable.
| Actuality: SPOMER3.WAV |
| Run Time: 00:11 |
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Spomer adds that the monarch butterfly population is not expected to change from last year's numbers.
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