Grades 3–5 · Follow monarchs from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico and back across the seasons.

The Monarch Butterfly's Great Migration

Super Generation Hatches

Late Summer

In late summer, a special 'super generation' of monarchs hatches in the northern U.S. and southern Canada. They can live about eight months instead of a few weeks.

Flying South

Fall Migration

During fall, from September to October, monarchs fly south, traveling up to 3,000 miles, resting on trees at night.

Mountain Forests

Arrival in Mexico

By late October to early November, they reach the mountain forests of central Mexico, their winter destination.

Staying Warm

Winter Clustering

In winter, millions of monarchs cluster together on oyamel fir trees to stay warm and save energy.

On Milkweed

Egg Laying

From late winter to early spring, they fly north to the southern U.S. and lay eggs on milkweed, the only food for caterpillars.

Continuing North

Spring Generations

In spring and summer, new generations of monarchs, each living a few weeks, keep moving north. It takes three to four generations to return.

Starting Again

Cycle Repeats

Finally, late summer arrives, and the cycle starts again. Most monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains spend winter on the California coast.