Monarch Butterfly Conservation
In December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed protection under the Endangered Species Act for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The monarch butterfly has been declining in North America for several decades. There are multiple causes of the decline but there are also several actions that we can all take. Read on to find out more about the decline and to find out what you can do to help.
Learning Objectives
Understand the monarch butterfly migration
Identify the causes of monarch butterfly decline
Gain knowledge about appropriate actions to take to combat monarch decline
Learn to educate the public with scientifically accurate information
Monarch Migration
The monarch butterflies in Minnesota are part of the eastern migratory monarch population. In the eastern population, butterflies migrate from the eastern half of North America, as far north as Canada and as far west as the Rocky Mountains, to central Mexico every year. The migration is completed like a relay race. The butterflies that leave Minnesota in late September are part of the "super generation" that lives for 9 months. Those butterflies fly south to oyamel fir forests in central Mexico and spend the winter there. In late winter, they begin their journey northwards. They stop in Texas to lay eggs before dying. The eggs that hatch in Texas eventually turn into second-generation adults that continue flying north. Monarchs usually reach Minnesota by early June. The butterflies that reach Minnesota in June may be second, third or fourth generation butterflies that continue their life cycles here. By September, when it is time for the butterflies to leave again, they are on their fifth generation. The fifth generation has a chemical shift that stops their reproductive processes and slows aging. They then begin the long flight to Mexico.
See the map below from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to learn more about where migratory monarchs travel. Add alt text and long alt text
Threats to Monarchs
There are many causes of monarch butterfly decline, including climate change, habitat loss, pesticides and disease pressure.
Climate change:
Habitat loss
Pesticide use
Disease pressure
How can you help?
Resources for MGs, planting guides (activity?), resources to share with public
Test Your Knowledge
Quiz