The Migration and Mythology of Monarch Butterflies

In Mexico, thousands of people gather to celebrate the arrival of the migrating monarch butterflies each fall on Nov. 1. The monarch butterfly migration also coincides with “Dia de los Muertos” or the “Day of the Dead” celebration.

In many Mesoamerican countries, people believe that monarch butterflies are the spirits of their ancestors. This ancient tradition originates in Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America) where Indigenous groups such as the Aztec, Maya and Toltec cultures commemorate the passing of their loved ones. Dia de los Muertos is filled with beautiful symbols representing something special in the remembrance of loved ones.

After the arrival of the Spanish in Mesoamerica, All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Soul’s Day (Nov. 2) were celebrated alongside traditional Dia de los Muertos by many. Nov. 1 is a day to remember children who have passed away, and on Nov. 2 to honor adults, according to the Smithsonian Institute.

From ancient times, the mystery metamorphoses of the butterfly mirror the loveliest transformations of the soul. It reminds us of our ability to transform, even after traumatic events. Indigenous wisdom shares with us that the butterfly has known many forms before it ever takes flight.

Like butterflies, we find ourselves at different stages in life. The egg stage represents new beginnings or ideas. The larva stage is where we build our project. In the cocoon stage, we grow and develop and in the final stage, we emerge from the chrysalis, sharing our creation with the world.

Australian aborigines dream butterflies are returning as souls in the form of a caterpillar. In Greek mythology, the story of passion, doubt, and separation between Psyche, goddess of the soul, her beloved, Eros, and the torturous process they undergo before uniting is represented by the life cycle of the butterfly.

Each spring, nature shows us an incredible display of determination. The multi-generation monarch butterfly migration across North America commences. The monarch butterfly spends the winter in Mexico and travels north in the spring to lay their eggs. The first and second generations of monarchs are born in the United States and live about four to six weeks. The third and fourth-generation monarchs emerge in late summer and fall. It takes four to five generations of monarch butterflies to complete the full migration from Mexico to America and back.

As days get shorter and cooler, a hormonal change occurs in the last generation of monarch butterflies. They receive the signal that it is time to conserve energy. By refraining from mating, the butterfly reserves energy for the final flight back to Mexico.

Scientists are not sure exactly how the monarchs find their way to a place they have never been before. But, each year, the descendants of spring butterflies navigate thousands of miles to a specific range of mountaintops in central Mexico. What a journey!

Many scientists believe geomagnetic lines across the globe provide a highway of sorts for many migrating species. There is evidence that butterflies use visual cues to determine where they are en route. Others believe the smell of pheromones from previous generations guides the butterflies to the right location. Perhaps they are all correct, and butterflies use all these methods to navigate their way home.

The long migration of monarch butterflies requires a steady food supply for each new generation. Over the past 50 years, we have transformed native grass prairies that feed migrating monarchs into agricultural lands and urban sprawl. Light pollution, deforestation, insecticides, and climate change present challenges for migrating monarchs to overcome, as well. And, the widespread planting of non-native and GMO plants contributes to monarch butterfly population decline.

According to their website, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list monarchs as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service responded by placing the butterfly on the waiting list. Many believe these pollinators deserve full protection now.

Over the past 30 years, volunteers have placed more than 2 million very light stickers on monarch butterflies to track migration. The information collected allows researchers to identify ways to protect the monarch for future generations.

You can track the annual monarch butterfly migration across North America at Journey North. They map the migration of monarch butterflies by reported public observations. When I looked at the map for our region, I was thrilled to see “Trish” from Yulee observed and reported a monarch sighting on Oct. 20, 2024. I noticed several other Florida sightings as well recently. (Map photo courtesy of Monarch Watch.)

Two years ago, in Pat’s Wildways column, she wrote about spotting a monarch caterpillar undergoing transformation on Amelia Island. You can read Pat’s article “Monarchs and Milkweed” here.

Jaime Rojo is a photographer and National Geographic Explorer who has chased monarch butterflies for 20 years. His award-winning monarch butterfly photography can be viewed here.

If anyone is looking for me over the next several days, I will be chasing butterflies with my camera, hoping to observe a late migrating monarch butterfly on its way to Mexico.