What kinds of environments do monarch's like?
This section is dedicated to the environments that monarch butterflies like in both their young and adult stages as well as how to make your yard more butterfly friendly!
Monarch Butterflies wintering in Mexico
To Mexico
Each fall monarchs throughout southern Canada and the United States venture south into Mexico for the winter. Monarchs are the only known butterfly to make a two way migration like birds do. They can travel up to 3000 miles to get to Mexico.
A map of monarch migration
Back To The United States
It takes at least 4 generations to make the trip from Mexico back to the United States and Canada.
However...
The monarch's sanctuaries and habitat are being destroyed at an alarming rate. This will make it harder on future generations of monarch butterflies.
How To Help!
- Plant vegetation that is native to your area.
- Talk to your politicians about ecofriendly construction, habitat preservation and climate change.
- Become a citizen scientist and become involved in monitoring and tagging butterflies.
- Support conservation efforts by joining groups like Monarch Joint Venture!
Monarch Joint Venture
Contact Senator Ted Cruz
Contact Senator Cornyn
Citizen Scientist
Monarch Butterfly drinking from a wet patch of soil
Butterfly Friendly Yard Tips
Butterflies enjoy drinking from muddy puddles. Not only do they get water from it, but they intake vital salts as well.
If you wish to use a fountian make sure it is shallow and filled with rocks to make perching and "puddling" easier. It is also key to wet the soil beneath your water source as well.
Butterflies like to drink from short, colorful, tube shaped flowers. See our Plants page for more information!
Plant nectar flowers in the sun. Butterflies prefer drinking nectar in sunny spots.
Include flat surfaces such as rocks in sunny places for butterflies to rest. Resting in the sun helps the butterfly warm its wings and flat stones are the perfect canidate.
Refrain from using insecticides! Insecticides can kill butterflies.