Becoming Migratory
Watch for signs of migratory monarchs:

• flying in directional flight
• clustering in overnight roosts
• nectaring intensely

Emerging in Diapause
Adults are in diapause when they emerge from the chrysalis. They are full grown — but not reproductively mature. Their reproductive development is on pause. These monarchs will not complete development and begin to mate until next spring in Mexico.

Beginning a Long Life
The same hormone deficiency that leads to diapause also leads to increased longevity. Summer monarchs live only 2-6 weeks; migratory monarchs live up to 8 months.

Accumulating Fat
Monarchs are shifting focus now from breeding to intense feeding. They must build body fat to fuel migration and to survive the winter in Mexico.

As the breeding season ends in the north, let's see if this fall's migration reveals hopeful signs of monarch recovery. Thank you for sharing your sightings.

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