Nearing Northern Limits
Traveling in pursuit of milkweed, monarchs are nearing milkweed's northern limits.
Almost There...
For 3 months, monarchs have been traveling in pursuit of milkweed. This map shows how far north milkweed grows — and the northern extent of migration.
- In the central region, the northernmost monarch in McGregor, MN is about 200 miles from milkweed's northern limit in southern Manitoba.
- In the east, monarchs will travel another 350 miles into Canada's Maritime provinces and Quebec.
Generation Two
Females are laying eggs of the 2nd generation now. These monarchs will be the grandchildren of butterflies that overwintered in Mexico.
Counting Generations
Monarch generations are continuing to cycle. It takes about one month for each to develop. Over the summer, three generations will be produced in the north.
June: grandchildren
July: great-grandchildren
August: great-great-grandchildren—the generation that migrates to Mexico.
Report Your First
No matter when you see your first monarch, we want to know about it. Your sighting is important even if other people have already reported from your region.
