Monarch Butterflies
Migration Update: April 6, 2007
Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Today's Report Includes:

The Life Cycle Continues! >>

The Migration: Maps, Questions and Highlights

Distribution Map >>

Real-time Map >>

Map Questions >>

  • Map: Animated Map (Week-by-week slideshow) >>
  • Map: Printer Friendly Version >>
  • Sightings: Recent Sightings (for Classroom Mapping) >>
  • Sightings: All Sightings >>

Highlights:

A Warm Week and Another 300 Miles!
Take a look at the map! Monarchs spread across Tennessee last week, and advanced into Kentucky and Illinois. It has been an unusually warm spring in the Midwest. March temperatures were at least 9 degrees above normal and the monarchs moved in early. The warm spell broke on Tuesday and temperatures plummeted. We'll see how milkweed, monarchs, and their eggs are effected in the week ahead.

Climate and Migration >>
What effect does a month of warm temperatures have on the pace of migration? Here are migration and temperature maps over three years for you to compare. Take a look!

Why Are They Going Northeast? >>
 The orange arc on this map shows where monarchs would be now if they had spread equally in all directions. Why do they advance most quickly to the northeast?

  • Take a look!
  • Also, add another four new states to your list, and predict where the monarchs will go next. >>

 

 Climate and Migration >>
Why Are They Going Northeast? >>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Slideshow: The Life Cycle Continues...

The monarch's spring migration is unique because it takes at least two generations to complete. Monarch are laying millions of eggs right now. Each female leaves a trail of eggs behind her as she travels. When will this new generation be born and continue the journey north that their parents began?

Slideshow >>

Journal: When Will the Next Generation Appear? >>

Dr. Jim Edson and his volunteer monarch will help us estimate when the first children of the next generation will fly. Predict what will happen:

  • How much longer will Ms. Monarch live?
  • How many eggs will she lay?
  • When will her first child be born and continue the Journey North?

Give facts to back up your prediction.


Dr. Edson

Links: Monarch Butterfly Resources to Explore
  • The Monarch Life Cycle: Slideshow (and booklet) >> and Teacher Guide >>
  • The Monarch Annual Cycle: Slideshow >>
  • Resources: Journey North's Monarch Life Cycle Resources >>
  • Monarchs for Kids (booklets, photos, videos) >>
More Monarch Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 13, 2007.

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