The Annual Cycle
of the Monarch Butterfly

(Back)

Monarch butterflies born in the fall migrate to Mexico.

They spend the winter in Mexico and migrate north in the spring.

Female monarchs lay eggs across the southern United States.

Then they die.

It takes about one month for their children to develop (egg, larva, chrysalis, adult).

The children migrate north and spread throughout their range.

Monarchs live only 2-6 weeks in the summer. Each female lays hundreds of eggs and the life cycle continues.

Grandchildren: The grandchildren are born.

Great Grandchildren: The great grandchildren are born.

Great-great Grandchildren: The great-great grandchildren are born.

Now it's fall again!