Monarch Butterflies
Monarch Migration Update: April 25, 2013
Please Report
Your Sightings!		 Report Your Sightings
Habitat is critical for monarchs in early spring. The butterflies from Mexico are nearing the end of their journey, and the next generation must take their place.

This Week's Update Includes:

 Image of the Week
Monarch Butterfly in Texas with faded wings
Nearing the End
Image: Martha Richardson
News: Get Ready for a Change
Warm-up Predicted
Cold temperatures across the Great Plains have held the migration in place for over two weeks! The leading edge remains at latitude 37 North, and monarchs are stacking up south of that line. However, winter's hold is about to break. Warmer temperatures and south winds are predicted. Get ready for a change in the week ahead.

Next Generation Coming
By the first week of May, the next generation should be evident. Right now, observers in the south continue to report monarchs at various stages of the life cycle.

"We found the first larva of the season in our outdoor classroom today. We were really excited because we have seen very few adults so far this spring." Texarkana, Arkansas (4/23/13)

Thanks Southern Neighbors!
If you live in the north, the first monarch you see this spring will probably be a child—or grandchild—of a monarch from Mexico. You can thank your southern neighbors for providing critical habitat.

A Time of Renewal
Nature's capacity for renewal is celebrated on Earth Day. For monarchs, the need for renewal is especially clear. At no other time of year are there so few adult butterflies.

  • Where is habitat most important for monarchs in the early spring?
Temperature Map
Cold in Great Plains
 
Monarch eggs on Milkweed
Next Generation
Image: Miriam Shrock
 
 
Pie Chart: Where is habitat critical to monarchs in the spring?
Critical Habitat
Spotlight: Wings of Life
The new film, Wings of Life, presents an up-close view of the crucial partnership between flowers and pollinators. The slow-motion and time-lapse photography is spectacular! Inspire students to explore the intricate world of pollen and pollinators.

 

 Wings of Life Educator's Guide
The Migration: Maps and Journal
  • Please report your monarch and milkweed sightings.
Monarch butterfly migration map Map of milkweed emergence: Spring 2013 Journal: Pie chart reveals critical spring monarch habitat
Journal
Monarchs
(map | animation | sightings)
 Milkweed
(map | animation | sightings)
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Next update May 2, 2013

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