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Posted in Mississippi Nature, Spring March 29, 2020 by Daniella DiRienzo

Watch In Awe As Millions Of Monarch Butterflies Invade Mississippi This Spring

Some of the most breathtaking sights are those created by Mother Nature. And during the next few weeks, we’ll get to experience one of her most eye-catching works – the spring migration of the monarch butterfly. The vibrant insects pass right through Mississippi, creating a colorful show in the sky. Read on to learn more about this natural phenomenon because you don’t want to miss it.

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s monarch butterflies… and lots of them! In the midst of their spring migration you’ll likely see an abundance of the colorful butterflies over the next few weeks.

Somewhat of a rare phenomenon, monarch butterflies are one of only a handful of insects that migrate.

Monarchs migrate twice a year. In the fall, they head south to their over-wintering sites in central Mexico.

During winter, the monarchs congregate by the millions on Oyamel fir trees, which are very common in central Mexico. Clustering together helps them stay warm and maintain their body temperatures.

Once the weather warms up in February and March, the butterflies begin their journey north to Canada, searching for water, nectar, and… mates.

Mississippi is a prime location for monarch watching since the butterflies often lay their eggs in the south.

According to the USDA, an abundance of monarchs stop in Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, searching for host plants to lay their eggs.

Female monarchs lay their eggs on plants in the milkweed family. Milkweeds have several identifying characteristics, one of which is the milky, white substance they secrete.

Typically, monarch butterflies begin appearing in Mississippi in late March and early April.

When monarch butterflies are around, caterpillars are sure to follow – and can usually be found in Mississippi throughout the month of May.

So, did you know that monarchs migrate? Or, maybe you’ve seen an influx of them lately? Tell us in the comments section.

It’s not just butterflies that invade Mississippi each spring, though. Read about another Mississippi migrant here.

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Address: Mississippi, USA

Daniella DiRienzo

Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.