Millions Of Monarchs Are Migrating Through Mississippi Right Now

Some of the most breathtaking sights are those created by Mother Nature. And during the next few weeks, we’ll get to experience one of her most eye-catching works – the spring migration of the monarch butterfly. The vibrant insects pass right through Mississippi, creating a colorful show in the sky. Read on to learn more about this natural phenomenon because you don’t want to miss it.

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s monarch butterflies… and lots of them! In the midst of their spring migration you’ll likely see an abundance of the colorful butterflies over the next few weeks.

Adam Jones/Wikimedia

Somewhat of a rare phenomenon, monarch butterflies are one of only a handful of insects that migrate.

Yani Dubin/Flickr

Monarchs migrate twice a year. In the fall, they head south to their over-wintering sites in central Mexico.

Mike Baird, bairdphotos.com/Wikimedia

During winter, the monarchs congregate by the millions on Oyamel fir trees, which are very common in central Mexico. Clustering together helps them stay warm and maintain their body temperatures.

Brocken Inaglory/Wikimedia

Once the weather warms up in February and March, the butterflies begin their journey north to Canada, searching for water, nectar, and… mates.

United States Department of Agriculture

Mississippi is a prime location for monarch watching since the butterflies often lay their eggs in the south.

Luis Avalos/Wikimedia

According to the USDA, an abundance of monarchs stop in Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, searching for host plants to lay their eggs.

Kaarina Dillabough/Flickr

Female monarchs lay their eggs on plants in the milkweed family. Milkweeds have several identifying characteristics, one of which is the milky, white substance they secrete.

Captain-tucker/Wikimedia

Typically, monarch butterflies begin appearing in Mississippi in late March and early April.

Peter Broster/Wikimedia

When monarch butterflies are around, caterpillars are sure to follow – and can usually be found in Mississippi throughout the month of May.

Flickr/Brad Smith

So, did you know that monarchs migrate? Or, maybe you’ve seen an influx of them lately? Tell us in the comments section.