Millions of Monarch Butterflies Begin Migration Across Indiana
We have officially hit the “-ber” months, and that means fall is in the air. In Indiana, it also means that monarch butterflies will begin to make the long journey across the Hoosier State in search of warmer weather.
Why Monarch Migration Matters
All across Indiana and the Midwest, monarchs are already forming migratory roosts. These clusters mark the beginning of an epic journey south to the forests of Mexico for the winter.
What to Expect in Indiana This Year
Thanks to increased egg and larva counts earlier this year in the Upper Midwest, this year’s migration looks especially strong. That means we could see even more monarchs migrating through Indiana than in recent years.
Typically, during the fall migration, millions of monarchs will make their way through Indiana on the long and arduous journey.
Although monarchs are in Indiana throughout the summer, the best times to see them are during the fall migration when millions of butterflies pass through the state on their way to their southern wintering grounds. In Northeast Indiana, peak butterfly season is in mid-September, where they can be seen foraging on nectar from various flowering plants.- A-Z Animals
How Monarchs Travel South
Monarchs are masters of efficiency. They store fat for the long flight and glide on air currents to conserve energy. Along their route, they will visit nectar plants to fuel the trip. Every observation matters, and programs like Journey North and Monarch Watch make it easy to report sightings, helping scientists track the migration in real time.
READ MORE: How to Help Monarch Butterflies in Your Own Backyard
Where They Spend the Winter
From across the eastern U.S. and southern Canada, monarchs funnel toward Mexico. Along the way, they find refuge in stopover sites with abundant nectar sources and shelter from harsh weather. When they reach central Mexico beginning in early November, monarchs aggregate in oyamel fir trees on the mountain slopes.
In Mexico, monarchs roost in oyamel fir forests, which occur in a very small mountainous area in central Mexico. Overwintering sites are about 3000 meters (almost 2 miles) above sea level and are on steep, southwest-facing slopes. Because monarchs need water for moisture, the fog and clouds in this mountainous region provide another important element for the winter survival of the monarchs. - Monarch Joint Venture
Best Places and Times to Spot Monarchs in Indiana
If you want to spot the monarchs this fall in Indiana, head to gardens with milkweed or colorful blooms in the late morning or early afternoon. These are prime times for glimpsing monarch activity.
Animals You Might Encounter in The Wild in Indiana
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals
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