Every year, thousands of monarch butterflies pass through southern Texas as they complete their annual migration from the northern US and Canada to their wintering grounds in Mexico. These beautiful insects may travel up to 3,000 miles (4,828 km) to reach their wintering grounds. The monarch usually spend their winters in the same dozen spots in the mountains of Mexico and Michoacán.
Time of Migration
Monarch butterflies usually start their migration in late August. Incredible numbers of beautiful orange butterflies can usually be observed in mid and late October. The migration through Texas is over by DÃa de Los Muertos festivities, once the butterflies reach Mexico. Monarchs also pass Texas in the spring, however, they use a different route, so the migration is not as visible around San Antonio. During springtime, monarchs migrate from their winter grounds in Mexico to their breeding grounds in the upper Midwestern US and the eastern provinces of Canada. Spring migration usually lasts until May.
Where to See Monarch Butterflies
Being pollinators, monarch butterflies are attracted to wildflower fields as well as parks and gardens. So one of the best areas to spot them is San Antonio Botanical Garden. Further from the city, you can try South Llano River State Parkm situated 126 miles (203 km) from San Antonio. Butterflies are also abundant in Fredericksburg, where you can stop by Wildseed Farms, the largest wildflower farm in the United States. It celebrates the monarch season each October with special events and butterfly releases.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Spreading over 38 acres (15 ha), San Antonio Botanical Garden frequently serves as the temporary stopover for monarch butterflies on their way to Mexico. The garden offers guided tours through its grounds, free with general admission, and migrating monarchs walks. San Antonio Botanical Garden is open from 8 am until 6 pm from Monday through Saturday and from 8 am until 8 pm on Sunday. Admission for adults costs $18 from Monday through Thursday and $22 from Friday until Sunday. Tickets for children between 3 and 13 years old cost $13 Monday through Thursday and $15 Friday through Sunday. Children under three can enter for free.
Monarch Butterflies as a Species
Also known as Danaus plexippu, monarch butterflies generally have a lifespan of 2 to 6 weeks. However, the last generation of the year, also known as the migratory generation, can live up to eight or even nine months. Interestingly, the migrating butterflies were originally born in the USA and have yet to visit the wintering grounds in Mexico but know the way to them. This generation also enters a non-reproductive state and only starts reproducing in spring.
Celebration of Butterflies
In Mexican culture, monarch butterflies are associated with the souls of dead relatives, and their annual return is celebrated. San Antonio also marks the arrival of these iconic creatures with the annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival, which is organized by Texas Butterfly Ranch. The event is usually held in early October, once the migration begins. The educational and family-friendly festival is free for the public.
Practical info
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