Monarch Butterfly Migration Update

Monarch Butterflies

Monarch Migration Update: April 25, 2013

Please 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:

News: Get Ready for a Change
Spotlight: Wings of Life
The Migration: Maps and Journal
Evaluation: Please share your thoughts!

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?

Cold in Great Plains

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

The Migration: Maps and Journal

Please report your monarch and milkweed sightings.
		Journal
Monarchs (map \| animation \| sightings)	Milkweed (map \| animation \| sightings)

Evaluation: Please share your thoughts!

Please take a few minutes to complete our Annual Evaluation. With your help, we can document Journey North's reach, impact and value. Thank you!

Please Help: Journey North Annual Evaluation

Next update May 2, 2013