From August, monarch butterfly migration begins in the Western United States and Western Canada, meaning that these spectacularpollinatorscan be observed in many states as they journey southwards to Mexico.
'Monarchs begin their fall migration in late summer, triggered by declining daylight and cooler evening temperatures,' saysLorraine Johnson, wildlife expert and writer based in California.
In cooler, northerlyUS hardiness zones, such as in Washington or Oregon, the monarch butterfly migration will happen much sooner than southerly locations, such as California, where the migration will commence slightly later in the year. The 3,000-mile migration of the monarch butterfly is about to begin – here's how you can help this native species Monarch butterflies,Danaus plexippus,are perhaps the most iconic and recognizable of all North and Central American pollinators. These striking butterflies are famed for their orange and black wings, making them easy to spot as they fly and feed in the backyard. When backlit by the sun, I think the markings appear almost like the stained-glass windows found in an old chapel. Quite a sight to behold.
Each year, monarch butterflies migrate from North America to overwinter in Mexico, seeking some heat and sunshine in the south, and who can blame them? This 3,000-mile journey is one of the great marvels of the natural world, that something so small and weighing so little can travel quite so far. In some regions, the monarch butterfly is known by another nickname,the wanderer, which seems fitting, I think, for this remarkable migrant.
Sadly, monarch butterflies are fighting for survival, and the recorded number of monarchs overwintering in Mexico declined by 84% from 1996 to 2014. Rural and urban gardeners have a part to play in helping the monarch butterfly migration by providing food and habitat. So, if you are keen toattract butterfliesor you are looking forwildlife garden ideasthis year, there are some easy and quick actions you can take that will have a big impact.
The 3,000 mile journey of the monarch butterfly
From August, monarch butterfly migration begins in the Western United States and Western Canada, meaning that these spectacular pollinators can be observed in many states as they journey southwards to Mexico.
'Monarchs begin their fall migration in late summer, triggered by declining daylight and cooler evening temperatures,' says Lorraine Johnson, wildlife expert and writer based in California.
In cooler, northerly US hardiness zones, such as in Washington or Oregon, the monarch butterfly migration will happen much sooner than southerly locations, such as California, where the migration will commence slightly later in the year. The 3,000-mile migration of the monarch butterfly is about to begin – here's how you can help this native species Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, are perhaps the most iconic and recognizable of all North and Central American pollinators. These striking butterflies are famed for their orange and black wings, making them easy to spot as they fly and feed in the backyard. When backlit by the sun, I think the markings appear almost like the stained-glass windows found in an old chapel. Quite a sight to behold.
Each year, monarch butterflies migrate from North America to overwinter in Mexico, seeking some heat and sunshine in the south, and who can blame them? This 3,000-mile journey is one of the great marvels of the natural world, that something so small and weighing so little can travel quite so far. In some regions, the monarch butterfly is known by another nickname, the wanderer, which seems fitting, I think, for this remarkable migrant.
Sadly, monarch butterflies are fighting for survival, and the recorded number of monarchs overwintering in Mexico declined by 84% from 1996 to 2014. Rural and urban gardeners have a part to play in helping the monarch butterfly migration by providing food and habitat. So, if you are keen to attract butterflies or you are looking for wildlife garden ideas this year, there are some easy and quick actions you can take that will have a big impact.
