Migrating Monarch Butterflies: Understanding the Long-Lived Generation and Ways to Aid Their Autumn Journey
In the vibrant world of nature, the annual Monarch butterfly migration is a breathtaking spectacle. This mass gathering of male and female butterflies, referred to as a roost or bivouac, is a sight to behold.
Heather Andrews, a master gardener and expert on butterflies, has partnered with a platform to offer resources for creating butterfly gardens. These gardens not only serve as a visual delight but also play a crucial role in supporting the Monarch butterfly's journey.
The course from the platform showcases real butterfly gardens and provides information on plant choices to support migratory butterflies. With the potential for a garden to become a certified Monarch Waystation, it's an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of these magnificent insects.
The preservation of the Monarch butterfly is a cooperative effort involving organisations such as Monarch Watch, the Xerces Society, and the National Wildlife Federation.
Creating a Monarch Waystation involves providing cover and food for the insects. A crucial fall season fueling station consists of six components: size, exposure, shelter, milkweed plants, nectar plants, and management.
Milkweed plants, such as perennials like sedum and agastache, are essential for the caterpillar stage of the Monarch butterfly. In this stage, the butterfly feeds solely on milkweed. Once transformed into adults, they feed on an array of nectar-containing flowers, including annuals like marigold and Mexican sunflower, and perennials like sedum and agastache, which will persist year after year as host plants.
Planting in groups is recommended to encourage pollinators. Mixing native, annual, and perennial plants encourages diversity and consistent blooming throughout the three seasons. Asters are recommended for fall blooms, adding a splash of colour to the garden during the Monarch butterfly's return journey, which takes place from September to November, covering distances of 50-100 miles per day and up to 2,500 miles in total.
During the migration, Monarch butterflies stop and rest in leafy cover and need to find food at each location. Connecting with different plants, or cone activity, is important for butterflies. Herbs, which are helpful to butterflies and also have culinary uses for humans, are a great addition to these gardens.
There are three generations of the butterfly annually, with the exception of the last generation, known as the "super generation," which survives 8-9 months. This super generation makes the long journey south, and then returns north the following year to start the cycle anew.
Join the cooperative effort to preserve these beautiful creatures by creating a Monarch Waystation in your own backyard.
