An adult monarch is about three and a half to four inches in length. The male is normally slightly larger than the female. The males have a distinctive black spot in their wings. This spot releases pheromones which attracts the female. The females have larger veins.

When the monarch is a caterpillar it can be recognized by its yellow, black and white stripes. When the egg hatches the caterpillar is between 2 and 8 mm in length. The insects will then go through what are called “instars” phases.  There are five of these phases, before the insect will enter its cocoon. The caterpillar will be about 4 cm long in the final stage.

This insect is known not only for its colors, but for its incredible journey. In North America the butterflies, like birds fly to warmer climates during the winter. Hundreds of thousands of monarchs make the long trek every year. They normally winter in Arizona and Mexico and they spend their summers as north as Canada.

Tom was born in Gainesville, Florida in 1950. As a young man Tom attended Gainesville High School. However, he decided that educated was not for him and did not go any further in school. His musical inspiration began in 1961 after he had the chance to meet Elvis Presley. He also claims to have been inspired by The Beatles.

Tom’s first band was called the Epics. This group would later be called the Mudcroth. Members included Benmont Trench and Mike Campbell. Both of these men would become members of the Heartbreakers. This group was formed by Tom in 1976.

Tom is known in the industry as being out spoken in terms of his rights as an artist. He has been involved in numerous legal disputes about album pricing and the misuse of his material.

Tom is still recording and performing all over the world.