When is peak monarch migration in Texas? Track butterfly sightings on interactive map
Each spring, these delicate yet resilient butterflies embark on an awe-inspiring journey from their wintering grounds in Mexico, making their way northward across the continent.
And this year's migration brings somewhat good news: the population has doubled since last year.
The latest count from the World Wildlife Fund offers a glimmer of hope for the eastern monarch population. Released earlier this month, the organization's annual count tracks the population by measuring the area monarchs occupy in central Mexico's forests during winter, rather than counting individual butterflies. This year, the monarchs occupied 4.42 acres of forest habitat — nearly twice as much as last year's 2.22 acres.
Still, eastern monarch populations remain significantly below the long-term average, with 2024 figures showing a 59% decline from 2023, marking the second lowest level since record-keeping began.
At the same time, the population of western monarch butterflies has also seen a decline. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation monitors this population and reported the lowest count of monarch butterflies on record, 9,119 butterflies. In 2023, the western population was around 233,400 butterflies, down nearly 30% from 2022.
Monarch butterflies begin their northward journey from their Mexican roosts during the second week of March, in search of milkweed plants to lay their eggs, according to Monarch Watch. This makes Texas an especially important state for the species, as their migration aligns with the timing of their travel through the Lone Star State.
The peak of the spring monarch butterfly migration in Texas typically occurs from late March to early April as they move northward from their overwintering grounds in Mexico.
The charismatic insects primarily travel through cities along the I-35 corridor, taking advantage of air currents, including the jet stream, to aid in their migration.
Several reports have already emerged of monarch butterflies heading toward North Texas. There have not been any sightings reported north of Oklahoma City at this point in their migration.
They're more likely to be seen on warm, sunny days.
The eastern monarch population overwinters primarily in the oyamel fir forests of the Sierra Madre Mountains in central Mexico, which provide a microclimate essential for their survival during the winter months.
In the summer, they live primarily in the northern U.S.. and Canada.
This decline is attributed to several factors, including habitat loss and a reduction in essential forage, such as milkweed. These issues are primarily driven by agriculture — particularly pesticide and herbicide use — and other forms of development. Additionally, rising temperatures are contributing to their decline.
Plant milkweed: Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed (Asclepias spp.), which is crucial for the survival of their caterpillars as the plant is toxic to birds. Include different varieties such as common milkweed, butterfly weed and swamp milkweed.
Add nectar plants: Plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. Monarchs are particularly attracted to flowers such as asters, coneflowers, zinnias, lantana and black-eyed Susans. They are more attracted to brighter colors, and flowers with a flat shape provide easier access.
Create a sunny spot: Monarchs prefer sunny areas to warm up. Provide open, sunny spaces in your garden where they can bask.
Provide water sources: Offer shallow dishes with water or create a small puddling area with damp soil.
Avoid pesticides: Using pesticides and herbicides can harm butterflies and their caterpillars. Instead, consider natural pest control methods.
Create shelter: Provide sheltered areas where butterflies can hide from strong winds and predators, such as shrubs or trees.
More: Butterflies are in trouble. It doesn't take much to help
JourneyNorth is encouraging people to report monarch sightings on its website.
You can submit your observations of adult monarchs, eggs, or larvae to JourneyNorth. Include as much detail as possible, such as the monarch's gender, activity and, if known, the type of flowers it's nectaring on or the milkweed species if it's laying eggs. Photos are highly encouraged and welcome with all reports.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is peak monarch migration in Texas? Track butterflies on map live
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