Millions of Monarch butterflies migrate to the mountains of Mexico annually. Our photo essay captures part of the journey. 

They make the 4,000 mile return trip three months later.

Wikipedia says: The eastern North American monarch population is notable for its southward late summer/autumn migration from the United States and southern Canada to Mexico, covering thousands of miles. The western North American population of monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains migrate to California.

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae) in the family Nymphalidae. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly. The monarch butterfly is not currently listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or protected specifically under U.S. domestic laws. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 cm (3½–4 in).

Monarch butterflies amazing migration to Mexico

Millions of Monarch butterflies migrate to the mountains of Mexico annually. Our photo essay captures part of the journey.