Every year, thousands of Monarch butterflies take flight on a remarkable journey, leaving the United States and migrating to the mountains of central Mexico. This remarkable migration usually passes through Wichita in early September, with the butterflies traveling up to 3,000 miles in search of warmer climates. The best part is that it’s FREE—just keep an eye out!
Wichita is on the path from the Monarch Migration. Watch for Monarch’s orange and black wings as they pass through in large numbers.
This annual migration is driven by the changing seasons, with the Monarchs seeking warmer climates to survive the winter. The butterflies follow the same routes each year, guided by a combination of environmental cues and innate navigation skills. As they travel south, they stop to rest and refuel, often in areas like Wichita, where residents can witness this natural wonder up close.
So, as September rolls around, watch for a sudden influx of Monarchs fluttering through gardens, parks, and open spaces. It’s a breathtaking sight that reminds us of nature’s beauty and resilience.
Ideas of Where to See Monarch Butterflies:
Best Hikes and Scenic Drives for Fall Color in Kansas
Walking & Biking Trails in Wichita
Monarch Fun Facts:
- For decades, scientists and citizen volunteers have tagged and tracked monarch butterflies to better understand their migration patterns. The tags are small, harmless stickers placed on their wings. Visit Botanica, the Wichita Garden website, to see when they are doing tagging, and it’s usually FREE.
- It takes several generations of Monarchs to complete their annual migration. The butterflies that start migrating south in the fall are not the same ones that make the journey north in the spring.
- The generation of Monarchs that migrate south to Mexico is known as the “super generation.” These butterflies live much longer than the typical Monarch, surviving up to 8 months compared to the usual 2-6 weeks for summer generations.
- Monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed plants. Milkweed contains toxins that make the caterpillars and adult butterflies poisonous to many predators, helping protect them from being eaten.
- During migration, Monarchs rely on nectar-rich flowers for energy. They stop at gardens, fields, and meadows to refuel for the long journey ahead.
