Monarch Butterflies

Monarch Butterflies

Every insect has a unique story and existence, but none may be as captivating as the Monarch Butterfly’s.  Each year these winged explorers embark on a journey from their overwintering grounds in California and Mexico to the Northern United States and Southern Canada. The migration takes place in two separate flyways and can extend up to 3000 miles.  One group migrates north through California and along the Pacific coast ending their flight in Oregon
and Washington.  The second group enters the United States in Texas and spreads out across the Great Plains as it heads north. 

It’s easiest to say a Monarch’s lifecycle begins in California or Mexico because that is where their migration starts and ends. After returning south in the fall thousands of Monarchs cluster in trees,
huddled together to stay warm.  As spring nears, days lengthen and temperatures warm the butterflies sense the urge to reproduce and finish their reproductive development.  It is this second generation or first offspring that begins the migration north. Because the destinations in the north require such a long distance of travel and duration to complete the journey takes place over three or four successive generations.  The migration south is completed by one generation.  At this time science hasn’t discovered what navigational aids Monarchs use to migrate, but some feel it may be the sun or the magnetic pull of the earth.  It is also known that they are able to use air currents and thermal lift to aid their flights.

Monarch are beautifully colored bright orange and black butterflies that are an important part of the food chain in our ecosystems. They are also pollinators making them not only a striking accent to our outdoor spaces but also a vital part of a healthy environment and agriculture system. Pollinators, including monarchs, are on the decline due to habitat destruction, overuse and improper use of pesticides as well as disease and other factors. Specifically for the monarch, Milkweed species are vitally important. Monarch lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed leaves and larvae feed exclusively on milkweed leaves. Adult butterflies need nectar from flowers for a successful migration.

We supply several plant species which are crucial to monarch migration and survival.

Monarch butterfly products coming soon!

Recommended Links:

BONAP maps showing where milkweed species are found: http://bonap.net/NAPA/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Asclepias

Monarch Watch: https://www.monarchwatch.org/

Xerces Society: https://xerces.org/

Pollinator.org: https://www.pollinator.org/