This spring saw a plentiful northward migration of monarch butterflies, and fall is shaping up similarly. Record numbers of the iconic insects are expected to pass through Texas next month, creating a spectacle unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Monarch butterflies migrate in both spring and fall. Record numbers are expected to pass over Texas in October, peaking between the 10th and 22nd.
Texas Butterfly Ranch
Researchers couldn’t be more excited because the species has been steadily declining for quite some time.
Flickr/pmillera4 The predicted surge is promising, hinting a potential comeback of monarch butterflies.
Thousands of chrysalises have been spotted on farms all over the Hill Country.
Wikipedia It typically takes about ten days for them to hatch.
Next up is the caterpillar stage: one step closer to full development.
Wikipedia Sightings of these little guys are rolling in from all over the country, which means they’ll be heading south soon upon sprouting wings.
Texas is an essential stopping point along the migration path, as it’s where the butterflies build up fat stores to get them through winter in Mexico.
Flickr/jmadjedi Several concerns, including wildfires, hurricanes, and pesticides raise concern among experts despite the anticipation.
Milkweed could be the insects’ saving grace this season. Growing abundantly along the Llano River, this flower is a major food source for monarchs.
Flickr/salim
While anything could happen in the next month, all signs are pointing towards a robust migration.
Flickr/jmadjedi Between roost counts, temperatures, abundance of larvae, and rainfall totals, we can expect to be thoroughly amazed.
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Texas Butterfly Ranch
Flickr/pmillera4
The predicted surge is promising, hinting a potential comeback of monarch butterflies.
Wikipedia
It typically takes about ten days for them to hatch.
Sightings of these little guys are rolling in from all over the country, which means they’ll be heading south soon upon sprouting wings.
Flickr/jmadjedi
Several concerns, including wildfires, hurricanes, and pesticides raise concern among experts despite the anticipation.
Flickr/salim
Between roost counts, temperatures, abundance of larvae, and rainfall totals, we can expect to be thoroughly amazed.
Have you ever witnessed a monarch butterfly migration? Let us know your thoughts and past experiences! Check out our previous article to read about the spring migratory path: 300 Million Monarch Butterflies Are Headed Straight For Texas This Spring.
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