Minnesota’s Monarch Butterflies Migration To Mexico Underway

Did you know that our monarch butterflies are on their way to Mexico? I had no idea they traveled that far, over 3,000 miles, for winter. Like birds, they move south to escape the cold, and these butterflies have quite a way to go.

Minnesota State Parks and Trails shared some interesting facts about our monarch butterflies. I didn't realize we had different generations each season. The generation that travels is the ones that emerge from its cocoons in mid-August. They're called the migratory generation, and they are the generation that lives the longest, up to 9 months.

The monarchs that emerge in the summer only live about 2-6 weeks.

Even though these butterflies have never been to Mexico, they make the long journey by instinct. Scientists believe they use the position of the sun and the magnetic pull of the Earth to guide their way.

The monarchs take a couple of months to make the trip and arrive in Mexico in November, where they will spend the winter.

In the spring, the monarchs migrate back north, but none of these single butterflies will make the return trip. Instead, they gather in the spring range of the Southern US and lay eggs. The following generation makes the trip back North.

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The DNR would like you to share photos of monarch butterflies on their website. It helps with monitoring the species and migration patterns. On the Share Your Photo page, you'll be asked to provide details like date, location, and time, along with your uploaded photo.