A Butterfly Migration Super Highway Could Bring Millions Of Monarchs Through Arizona This Fall
After an unprecedentedly robust spring migration, monarch butterflies have just begun their autumnal trip southward into Mexico. Experts are hinting at yet another record-breaking season, so keep your eyes peeled! Here’s everything you need to know:
Twice a year, once in the spring and again during fall, monarch butterflies set off on the arduous journey of migration. As we speak, the iconic, black-and-orange insects are heading south to their winter homes in Mexico.
Large and widespread conservation efforts are underway to save these important pollinators from further endangerment or even extinction
There does seem to be a glimmer of hope, however: dozens of chrysalises have been spotted on farms in the northeast, which suggests a healthy migration is ahead. Other factors, such as high roost and larvae counts, significant rainfall, and favorable temperatures further increase the likelihood that this season will be one for the books.
Other factors, such as high roost and larvae counts, significant rainfall, and favorable temperatures further increase the likelihood that this season will be one for the books.
Monarchs often stop in Arizona to fuel up before pushing across the border.
October through about mid-November is peak season, so expect the next month or so to be rife with butterfly activity.
If you want to attract monarchs right into your backyard and simultaneously help bolster their longevity as a species, the Arizona Game & Fish Department suggests planting milkweed. This is the only plant monarchs will lay eggs on, and it also serves as food for larvae.
This is the only plant monarchs will lay eggs on, and it also serves as food for larvae.
Milkweed is poisonous to pets and people when ingested, so if you have four-legged friends or small children, it may not be the best option. Alternatively, you can plant nectaring flowers like cosmos and zinnia, which offer sustenance to adult monarchs.
Alternatively, you can plant nectaring flowers like cosmos and zinnia, which offer sustenance to adult monarchs.
So while nobody -- not even experts -- can say for sure what the coming weeks have in store, all signs point to a fall migration unlike anything in recent years. Keep your eyes peeled!
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
