Monarch Butterflies: It's a Good News/Bad News Thing

Maybe you've noticed. Monarch butterflies seem to be fluttering everywhere, after a period of years where we were lucky to see one or two in our gardens the entire season, suddenly they're filling the air with their brilliant color. Warm summer temps and abundant rainfall that translated into lush plant growth have helped the numbers greatly this season. That's the good news.

Still these magnificent creatures are struggling. While some butterfly species migrate short distances following food supplies, the Monarch is the only butterfly that makes a true migration covering thousands of miles. Monarchs overwinter in two areas; western residents to the California coast and those east of the Rockies to a specific mountainous forested area of Mexico, returning when temperatures moderate again.

Negative factors facing them are climate, weather (they are two different issues), predation and habitat loss and fragmentation. That's the usual bad news, but even worse, this past year horrendous storms in their overwintering grounds in Mexico decimated their population like never before. It may be years before we know if they can come back from this catastrophic event.

That's why it's so heartening to see so many of them floating and dancing above the flowers in my garden this year. Enjoy the photos and then see suggestions as to how you can help the Monarch.

Monarchs lay eggs on milkweed in my garden; the only plant their larvae (caterpillars) can eat. This is considered a larval host plant.

Monarchs depend upon nectar plants, both annual and perennial to sustain them through summer and then on their migration. The butterflies actually gain weight as they make the arduous journey, these fat stores help them to stay alive as they cluster together through the winter.

Development of wild areas is a major reason for habitat loss. Wildflowers are an important food source.

Triggered by shorter days and cooler temps, the last generation of Monarchs at the end of summer, late August for Minnesota, is biologically and behaviorally different. They do not mate or lay eggs, instead, the smaller butterflies start the long trip back to Mexico.

You can help Monarchs prepare for and make this long flight by planting nectar and larval host plants. Every plant you put in your garden helps to replace lost habitat. A series of yards with butterfly plants creates a chain of gardens much like a habitat corridor that Monarchs can follow south.

There are many varieties of milkweed that can beautify your gardens with flowers as well as butterflies, coming in orange, yellow, pink and white. Milkweeds are identified by the Latin name Asclepias, not to be confused with butterfly bush called Buddleai. There's a milkweed for every garden condition; Asclepias tuberosa is good for dry or clay soils while Asclepias incarnata is suited for moister soils.

Perennials, shrubs and trees that attract butterflies are often highlighted at nurseries and garden centers. At this time of year these plants may be on sale at the best prices of the year; making it a great time to start or add to your butterfly garden. You'll help the Monarchs as well as other butterflies too.

If you plant at least 10 milkweed plants, you can qualify your garden as an official Monarch Waystation. Check out www.monarchwatch.org for more information on this wonderful way to support these "jewels on the wing".