How Monarch Butterflies Navigate Thousands Of Miles To South Dakota Each Spring

The springtime arrival of monarch butterflies in South Dakota is truly a natural phenomena. These colorful insects travel thousands of miles in large swarms to the same destinations every year even though they are different generations. How cool is that?

Digging a little deeper we must begin in the fall. According to Only in South Dakota, the average lifespan of a monarch is only 2 - 6 weeks. But the monarchs born in the fall can live for months. That enables them to fly to warmer southern climates before winter hits. How this information is passed from generation to generation, even scientists don't really know. Let's just believe that all things are God-created and their instincts are true for migration and survival. It makes sense.

When the monarchs arrive in warmer climates such as Mexico and southern California, they hunker down and lay eggs on milkweed. In the spring when these eggs have hatched they make the long journey by the millions to the northern states such as South Dakota. We are truly blessed to be the destination for these beautiful creatures!

When can you begin to see monarch butterflies in South Dakota? They begin arriving in March every year and can be seen though September when they begin their long journey south.

What is the best wat to attract monarchs? These beautiful butterflies are finding it harder to find nutrients. Planting milkweed may get you in trouble from the "weed board" but it will attract them and give you viewing pleasure and some photographic moments. You can find milkweed seeds here or ask at our local Sioux Falls greenhouses.

You can also try Butterfly and Hummingbird wildflower mix from Ace Hardware to attract different species.

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