Monarch butterflies left Mexico weeks ago on their annual northward migration. Now, the colorful insects are nearing Michigan as temperatures continue to warm.
“Monarchs have made their way north, crossing state borders into Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Virginia for the first time this season,” Journey North, which tracks monarch butterflies, announced on April 16.
Journey North’s monarch migration map shows the closest sighting to Michigan was in Warrenville, Illinois, on April 6. Two more sightings were reported in Milford, Ohio, on April 20.
Officials monitoring the 2024-25 wintering season in Mexico, said their numbers doubled as they occupied 4.42 acres of central Mexico’s forests. However, overall the species has seen significant decline — about 90% in recent decades, the Department of Natural Resources said, due to habitat loss and the use of pesticides.
There are ways to support monarchs and restore their habitats. Here’s what can be done in Michigan:
How can I track the monarch migration 2025?
Monarch migration map showing monarch sightings represented with green dots. As of April 20, they are inching closer to Michigan.
Monarchs are unique for their metamorphosis process and migration patterns — they are the only butterfly to migrate like birds.
As April comes to a close, people can report monarch sightings online through Journey North and use the migration map to track their progress (to report a sighting you need to create an account). The website, Monarch Joint Venture also offers a feature to report sightings.
Will I see Monarch butterflies in Michigan?
Yes, in mid-April to May monarchs will return to Michigan to breed and stay through the summer, then during winter they fly to Mexico, the DNR said.
Where do monarchs go over the winter?
Monarchs can travel as far as 3,000 miles to their wintering destinations in Mexico’s Oyamel fir forests. The forests are located in central Mexico where Oyamel firs (or, Abies religiosa) grow in the mountains at altitudes from about 7,800 and 11,800 feet.
Eight monarch colonies were recorded for the 2024-25 winter season covering about 192,600 square feet, according to monarchwatch.org.
While millions of monarchs fly to Central America each winter others migrate to the Pacific coast or in Florida.
Are monarch butterflies an endangered species in Michigan?
No, monarchs are not listed as an endangered species on the U.S. Endangered Species Act, however, in 2024 monarchs were listed as threatened and in need of protection.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is reconsidering the monarch’s status.
The main threat facing monarchs in the loss of habitat due to urban development, climate change, deforestation, and large agricultural space that reduce the availability of monarchs to breed, feed, shelter, and rest throughout their life cycles, the U.S. FWS said.
How can I help monarch butterflies in Michigan?
Here are some suggestions to consider this spring from Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources:
How long do monarch butterflies live?
Monarch butterflies typically live from two to six weeks, with the exception of the last generation of the year (meaning butterflies that complete the life cycle and survive to see winter) that migrate. The migrating insects can live eight to nine months, the U.S. Forest Service said.
What do monarch butterflies eat?
Monarchs have a straw-like mouth that sip nectar from flowers. They especially desire milkweed because that is where female monarchs lay their eggs and what their young feed on.
Adult monarchs feed on wild cherry, lilac, Labrador tea, blazing star, red clover, dogbane, goldenrods, ironweeds, joe-pye-weed, marigolds, asters, rattlesnake-master, sunflowers, thistles, vetches and (of course) milkweeds, MSU Extension said.
What are milkweed plants?
Milkweeds got their name from the milky sap that leaks from their leaves or stem, Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper said.
There are several different types of milkweeds native to Michigan, such as the swamp milkweed (Asclepis incarnate) and the common milkweed (Asclepis syrica), MSU Extension said.
The plants bloom orange, pink or white flowers in the spring. During the fall they release seeds attached to wispy white stems that catch the wind.
Milkweed is just as particular as monarchs themselves: different types of milkweeds grow in different states. According to Grow Milkweed Plants, a company growing and selling milkweeds since 2013, here are 12 milkweeds native to Michigan:
Are there butterfly gardens in Michigan?
Yes, here are some butterfly gardens to visit in Michigan:
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Monarch butterflies are migrating north. How to help them in Michigan