Monarch Butterflies Monarch Butterflies migrate up to 3,000 miles to hibernate in central Mexico. .
The migration is encoded in the butterflies' genetics, thus each generation migrates without being taught by the previous generation. Monarchs caterpillars eat milkweed leaves. The plant's toxins remain permanently in the monarch’s system. Therefore, animals who eat a Monarch butterfly become very sick, thus avoid it.
In Mexico, the butterflies symbolize the arrival of the dead's spirits to the world of those living on the traditional Dia De Los Muertos The butterflies pollinate many types of wildflowers throughout North America.
Monarch butterflies' population
in 2000
in 2020 The caterpillars eat the leaves to become toxic and avoid getting eaten by predators.
Monarch butterflies lay their eggs in Milkweed.
Less Milkweed The caterpillars do not survive without Milkweed, and thus can't become butterflies
Increased use of Herbicide
Milkweed decline starts
Monarchs decline starts
PLANT MILKWEED Monarch population increases