ORLANDO, Fla. – As fall approaches, millions of monarch butterflies begin their incredible 3,000-mile migration to Mexico. Unlike their short-lived ancestors, these “super generation” monarchs can live up to eight months and travel 10 times farther.
Using the sun, thermal currents, and the Earth’s magnetic field, they navigate with remarkable precision. By mid-August, they start their journey, with reproduction on hold as they prepare for the long flight south.
Every day, these tiny adventurers cover about 50 miles, pausing only when rain, cold, or wind make flying impossible. Their journey is fueled by fat reserves built up during their caterpillar stage, and they don’t mate until spring, conserving every bit of energy for the long trek.
This migration is more than just survival—it’s a delicate balance with nature. Monarchs rely on milkweed for their larvae and nectar flowers for the adults. Without these, the population declines.
While most head to Mexico, some in the western U.S. fly to Pacific Grove, California, and others from New England migrate to Florida.
How do they do it? With a natural GPS, navigating using the sun and the magnetic pull of the Earth, monarchs make their way south with a precision that still amazes scientists and nature lovers alike.