Tune In To Nature

Monarchs take flight in March for an incredible migration.  

As the March snow begins to melt here in the St. Croix River Valley, millions of Monarch butterflies are coming out of hibernation to take flight for their incredible migration starting in Mexico and arriving here throughout the summer. It is the only insect that travels over 3000 miles and no one truly understands why they take this dangerous journey.

As they migrate north in the spring, they lay eggs on milkweed along the way. These larvae create a new generation that migrates North following their parents. The reproductive cycle continues and by August to early September, three to four generations will have evolved.
It would be nearly impossible for an individual monarch butterfly to complete this entire migratory cycle. Their rapid system of reproduction is of great importance to the survival of the species and the completion of the migratory cycle from year to year.

During migration, the monarchs feed extensively on flowers to gain carbohydrates from nectars that fuel daily activities and contribute to the build up of the fat body in the abdomen. This fat supply gives energy to the monarchs on their long journey. Monarchs travel distances as great as 3,100 miles during their migration, traveling roughly 50 miles per day. Monarch flight speeds have been measured at 12 miles per hour. Once they have reached their roosting site, they cluster in large numbers in the branches and trunks of the oyamel trees in Mexico. While clustering they remain relatively still and maintain low metabolic rates. In mid-February, the roosting monarchs become more active and mating behavior begins. By the end of February, some of the monarchs begin moving northward. By mid-March the roost is usually depleted and the migration has begun.

"No other animal is more typical of a healthy environment, nor more susceptible to change, than a butterfly"  Feltwell, J. 1986. The Natural History of Butterflies. Facts on File Inc. p.105. Monarchs have been declining in population over recent years primarily due to loss of habitat. As you plan your garden why not plant a few Monarch butterfly plants for their benefit. After their long journey, they would love to find a few native red milkweed plants growing in your garden.

For more information about gardening for Monarchs click a picture below:         

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