Monarch butterfly population grows DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The numbers of monarch butterflies, those delicate orange-and-black-winged creatures one devotee compares to "flying jewelry," have taken flight across the nation. Despite a shrinking habitat and natural and man-made threats, it has been a good year for monarchs, even as the butterflies prepare for their long journey to Mexico and California, where they'll wait out the harsh winters of their northern range. "It's been a good year for butterflies in general, and we're looking forward to a prolonged fall so we can enjoy the show," said Donald Lewis, a professor of entomology at Iowa State University. See full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2561588453-f2c>
