Monarch Butterfly Migration

The monarch butterfly migration is a spectacular natural event.

Monarch butterflies migrate mainly across North America each autumn.

Monarchs arrive at roosts in November and stay all winter.

Monarchs start their southern migration in September and October.

Four generations complete the full migration cycle each year.

The migrating generation lives eight times longer than ancestors.

Western monarchs migrate annually to coastal California for winter.

Some monarchs in Florida and Caribbean do not migrate at all.

Northward migration begins in March, heading back to Canada.

Female monarchs lay eggs during the northward migration journey.

Monarchs form roosts that reduce water loss during winter.

Overwintering sites need frost-free areas and high humidity.

Monarch butterfly migration remains one of nature’s grand journeys.