Posted in New Mexico April 16, 2019 by Emily Jamar

300 Million Monarch Butterflies Are Headed Straight For New Mexico This Spring

As the wildflowers start to bloom, many interesting animals and insects begin to invade the Land of Enchantment. While monarch butterflies haven’t been as prevalent in our state the past few years, record-breaking numbers of the beautiful butterfly are about to swarm to New Mexico, and it’s going to be quite the sight to see. Keep your eyes peeled this spring as millions upon millions of butterflies migrate through our state; it’s truly a spectacle to embrace.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

Monarch butterfly migration is said to be "one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world," and this year the beautiful butterfly is heading straight for New Mexico after a few years of seeing fewer monarchs migrate through our state.

The migration is up over 150 percent compared to last year, but the frequent changes in weather have halted their early migration in February.

This spring, however, the beautiful butterflies are expected to fly through our state by the millions. With the wildflowers and various types of milkweed in bloom, the butterflies are coming back.

Research suggests that this migration might prove a surge in monarch butterflies. The species had been on a steady decline, but this surge may be a promising indication of a comeback.

Get your camera ready, because these amazing monarchs are migrating through the Southwest, and it's sure to be a phenomenon unlike any other.

Have you spotted a monarch butterfly in the Land of Enchantment yet? Where was it? Let us hear your butterfly spotting stories in the comments!

Don’t forget to also go share photos from your nature adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!

If you’re looking for another way to dive into spring, take a visit to this awesome iris farm in Hondo—you might even see a butterfly or two.