Monarch butterflies are known for their long-distance migration, which is one of the most spectacular phenomena in the natural world. The migration of monarch butterflies is an annual cycle that spans multiple generations and covers thousands of miles.
From North America to Central Mexico
In the autumn, millions of monarch butterflies from across North America start their migration to a small region in central Mexico, known as the “overwintering grounds”. The journey can take several months and the butterflies travel up to 3,000 miles to reach their destination. During their migration, monarch butterflies follow a distinct path that is guided by a combination of environmental cues, such as the position of the sun and the earth’s magnetic field, as well as by genetic programming.
Overwinter Cluster
When the monarch butterflies arrive in the overwintering grounds, they gather in dense clusters in the trees, where they remain for the winter months. The overwintering grounds provide a protective microclimate that helps the butterflies survive the harsh winter conditions. In the spring, as the weather warms up, the monarch butterflies begin their journey back north, laying eggs along the way.
The monarch butterflies that arrive in the northern regions of North America are the offspring of the previous year’s migrants. These butterflies continue the journey northward, laying eggs and starting the cycle over again. This process is repeated over several generations until the autumn, when the migration southward begins again.
