What is it? 

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of North America’s most recognizable and iconic butterflies, known for its striking orange and black wings. Its life cycle is complex and one of the most fascinating of all animals. Monarchs begin as tiny eggs laid on milkweed plants, hatch into caterpillars, go through a stage in chrysalides, and then finally emerge as butterflies. Each step of their lifecycle can vary in terms of length depending on the time of the year.   

Monarchs go through multiple generations each year. Starting in the spring, they can take three to four generations to make their migratory journey from Mexico through the United States and into parts of Canada. Each generation lives for a few weeks, mates, lays eggs, and continues the journey. However, in the fall, a long-lived generation emerges. This generation of monarchs delay reproduction, live up to eight times longer than summer monarchs, and migrate thousands of miles back to their overwintering range in central Mexico. What makes this so fascinating is that each new generation of monarchs knows the way to their summer range, and then the last one knows how to get back to the overwintering sites. This built-in compass makes monarch lifecycles extremely fascinating.  

In Florida, monarchs exhibit unique behaviors compared to other North American populations. While most monarchs migrate annually from the northern and central regions of the United States and southern Cananda to overwintering sites in Mexico, Florida hosts both migratory and non-migratory (or residential) populations.  

Why it matters. 

Florida’s warm climate and the widespread presence of non-native milkweed species, particularly tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), allow some monarch butterflies to breed and remain in the state year-round. While this might seem beneficial, residential monarch populations tend to fare poorly and are contributing to the spread of Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), a harmful protozoan parasite. OE causes wing deformities, smaller body size, reduced mating success, and diminished flight endurance. The year-round availability of tropical milkweed encourages continuous breeding, which disrupts monarchs’ natural migration cycles and increases the prevalence of OE in local populations.

Protecting monarch butterflies is essential not only for their own survival but also for the ecosystems they support. As pollinators, monarchs play a key role in the health of native plant communities, which in turn sustain a wide variety of wildlife. Their decline signals broader environmental issues, including habitat loss and the spread of invasive species. By preserving monarch populations and restoring native milkweed species, we help safeguard Florida’s biodiversity and promote ecological resilience. 

What you can do! 

To help protect and support monarch butterflies in Florida, and prevent residential populations, consider the following actions: 

• Plant native milkweed species: In Florida, recommended native species include Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed), Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed), and Asclepias perennis (white swamp milkweed). These plants naturally die back each year, encouraging monarchs to continue their migratory behavior and helping limit parasite transmission. Make sure to research your specific area before planting milkweed! 

• Limit or remove tropical milkweed: If you already have tropical milkweed in your garden, consider cutting it back each fall to mimic seasonal dieback—or better yet, replace it with native species entirely. This small step can have a big impact on monarch health. 

• Create a pollinator-friendly garden: In addition to milkweed, plant a variety of nectar-rich, native flowering plants that bloom throughout the year. These provide food for adult monarchs and other pollinators like bees and butterflies. Make sure to plant native species – diversity helps! 

• Avoid pesticide use: Pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers can harm monarchs and other beneficial insects, especially during vulnerable life stages like caterpillar development. Instead, explore organic gardening practices and integrated pest management strategies that prioritize pollinator safety. 

• Participate in citizen science programs: Engage with initiatives like Monarch Watch to report sightings and contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts. You can also partake through iNaturalist – just take a photo, include the date and location, and upload it to help scientists track population trends and migration patterns. These contributions are vital to research, education, and long-term conservation planning. 

By taking these steps, you can contribute to the conservation of monarchs and support the overall health of Florida’s ecosystems! 

 

Information from UF IFAS, The Wild Center, USDA, and Monarch Watch. Cover image from Laura Gaudette (iNaturalist – CC BY). First monarch image from Pam Kleinsasser (iNaturalist – CC BY) and the second image is from Shirley Zundell (iNaturalist – CC BY).