Monarchs are on the move

In October I noticed that the fall monarchs have started arriving in my yard in significant numbers. I’ve observed more monarchs in just a few hours than I’ve seen in total since moving to Hays County three years ago.

This influx is timed perfectly with the revival of fall pollinator plants - a very good sign for the 2018 fall monarch migration! The monarchs seem to be most active in mid-morning to mid-afternoon. They are pumping up on nectar from a Shrubby Boneset (Eupatorium havanenese--also commonly called White Mistflower shrub) in my yard and are also very busy working a stand of Frostweed.

The monarchs go North in the spring and then travel South to Mexico in the fall. The USDA Forest Service states that monarchs can travel 50-100 miles in a day; and it can take up to two months to complete their journey. (Scientific American) “During heavy rains and wind, butterflies are rarely seen. Not only does rain pose a direct threat of injury or death, but the cool air associated with storms may also reduce temperatures below the thermal threshold for butterfly flight.”

The summer monarchs of northern Indiana are making a comeback. Where milkweed has been planted and is being allowed to flourish, monarch numbers have increased. Where monarch sightings had once become rare, they are becoming commonplace again. The importance of repopulating native milkweed in the Northern US and across the Midwest cannot be overemphasized. It is obviously helping these beautiful, amazing insects.

Can more be done? Definitely! The promotion of native landscapes and the deliberate addition of fall pollinator plants is another step in assisting the migrating butterflies, as well as for all wildlife and the ecosystem in general.

According to the Wildflower Center, among the best milkweeds (providing larvae food for monarchs) in our area are Antelope Horn and Zizotes milkweed and among the best fall nectar foods for the migrating adults are Gregg’s Mist flower, Shrubby Boneset, Fall Aster and Frostweed.

Written by Betsy Cross, Hays County Master Naturalist