Welcome to the Monarch Butterfly in North America website, a gateway to news, information, activities, and resources about the biology and conservation of this fascinating insect.

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is among the most recognized, studied, and loved of all of North America’s insects. Children study monarchs in school. Researchers and citizen scientists track their migration and breeding. Conservationists and government agencies are concerned about threats to breeding, migration, and wintering habitats.

The annual migration cycle of the monarch butterfly has been described as the most spectacular in the insect world. It has also been deemed an “endangered natural phenomenon”. This species and its migration are dependent upon conservation of habitats in all three North American countries - Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Awareness of the monarch butterfly’s life cycle and habitat requirements is essential for their survival and an important step in the conservation of this animal. Many government agencies, organizations, and individuals across North America are working on projects to conserve monarch habitats and their migration.

This website is a cooperative effort dedicated to educating the public and increasing understanding of monarch butterfly biology and conservation.

We hope you enjoy the website and come back to visit often!