Back to Migration Mystery in California

What the Experts Think

The migrating butterflies are not monarch butterflies. They are a smaller species of butterfly called the "Painted Lady." The Painted Lady butterfly does appear suddenly in the spring by the millions, especially in the west.

What were the best clues?

  • The number of butterflies observed: People usually see no more than 1-2 monarchs migrating at a time in the spring, especially in California. If you had no other clues, the number of butterflies being observed in California is enough to make you suspicious.
  • The size of the butterflies observed: Although we did not receive a picture of the butterflies that were migrating in California, several observers mentioned their small size. This graphic shows the actual size of each species.

 

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