Waiting for the Count
January 1, 2015

The wintering season in Mexico is underway. Scientists will measure the population in December and announce the results by March. Will the monarchs have increased from last year's record low?

Monarchs at Risk
January 27, 2015

Monarch population count from Mexico: Numbers remain 80% below historic levels.

Highly Concentrated
February 5, 2015

Monarchs from across the continent are now clustered by the millions in a small region of Mexico. This year, half of the monarchs are concentrated in only one of the 12 overwintering sites.

Help for Monarchs
February 9, 2015

The U.S. government announced a $3.2 million initiative for monarch conservation.

Surprisingly Cold
February 12, 2015

The monarch's winter home in Mexico is surprisingly cold. Temperatures often fall to freezing! Why do monarchs migrate to such a cold place?

Late-season Storm
February 19, 2015

Spring is approaching for monarchs in Mexico, but last week's hail storm proved that winter's not over yet.

In a Flurry
February 26, 2015

Thirsty monarchs break out of their clusters in search of water.

Activity Levels High
March 5, 2015

Within the month monarchs will vacate their winter haunt and begin the recolonization of North America.

Mass Departure Imminent
March 12, 2015

Mating is at its peak as the monarchs get ready to head north to the breeding grounds. Mass departure is imminent.

Weather Delays
March 19, 2015

Cold temperatures are holding the monarchs back. We're still waiting for the mass exodus from Mexico and first arrivals in Texas.

Here come the monarchs!
March 26, 2015

Migration began with a mass exodus on Tuesday. The northbound butterflies carry the seeds of the next generation.

Migration enters Texas!
April 2, 2015

The monarch parade began on Sunday and continued all week. What will this latest-ever arrival mean for spring production?

Following Milkweed
April 16, 2015

With milkweed paving the way, the leading edge of the migration is now 1,500 miles from the overwintering region in Mexico. How do monarchs find milkweed?

Fading Away
April 23, 2015

No longer their brilliant orange, the monarchs from Mexico are nearing the end of their travels. A new generation will continue the journey north.

Eggs
April 30, 2015

A monarch lays eggs in your garden. What happens next?

Eating and Growing
May 7, 2015

Here comes the next generation. Eating and growing, today's monarch caterpillars will soon be northbound butterflies.

Watch out for imposters!
May 14, 2015

This is not a monarch butterfly. How can you tell?

A New Generaton
May 28, 2015

Fresh, new butterflies — children of the monarchs from Mexico — surged northward last week. The number of eggs reported brings a hopeful start to the summer breeding season.

How Many Generations?
June 4, 2015

The grandchildren of the monarchs from Mexico are developing now. How many generations will this summer yield?

Almost Done!
June 11, 2015

Spring migration is almost complete. The population has now expanded from 3 acres of winter habitat in Mexico into 1 billion acres of breeding habitat in the US and Canada.

Migration Winding Down
June 18, 2015

The milkweed patch is the place to be. Egg-laying females are looking for milkweed, and males are looking for females.

Tracking Migration with Journey North
Report your sightings to each fall and spring as the monarchs travel to and from Mexico. Track migration on real-time migration maps. Help scientists learn more about monarchs.

 

Archives: Fall 2014

Peak Breeding Season
July 2015

The population builds with each new generation and will reach its peak when fall migration begins in August.