Wandering Butterflies Interpretive Panel at Ardenwood Historic Farm, part of East Bay Regional Park District. Published by East Bay Regional Park District.
WANDERING BUTTERFLIES
Each fall, monarch butterflies from the western
U.S. and Canada migrate hundreds of miles to
the California coast. They are seeking
protection from freezing temperatures and
winter storms in sheltered groves such as this
stand of eucalyptus.
the start of mating. Fertilized females will then
disperse in search of milkweed, where they
will lay their eggs.
Four or more future generations of monarchs may hatch before the return trip to Ardenwood Historic Farm is made next fall.
The butterflies you see today will never return.
Where they end their life cycle or how far they
These overwintering monarchs will stay in
this protected area until longer days signal
Monarch Migration
Fall migration:
Spring dispersal:
One generation migrates to
overwintering sites.
Multiple generations spread
out across Western North
America.
Point Pinole
Regional Shoreline
Ardenwood Historic Farm
Natural Bridges State Beach
Pacific Grove Sanctuary
Pismo State Beach
Ellwood Mesa Open Space
Photo: Dave Miller
travel are questions still being researched by
scientists today. How far do you think they go?
