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Oh, Look! Even Butterflies Are Snowbirds Fleeing Texas Conservatives.

Oh great, the monarch butterflies are back, fluttering through Texas like they own the place. Guess they didn't get the memo about border control. Good for them, at least someone's not afraid to migrate for a better life. Hope they bring back some decent guacamole recipes.

Published October 7, 2024 at 6:00am by Brandi D. Addison

Woke Alert: The Monarchs Are Migrating, Y'all Better Not Mess This Up Too

Those little orange superheroes, the monarch butterflies, are on their incredible 2,200-mile journey between Canada and Mexico. Yeah, the ones who put every frequent flyer to shame.

Texas, Get Ready: Monarchs Comin' Through

The Lone Star State's official insect (yeah, they chose a bug over like, a cowboy hat or something) is about to hit peak migration.

When's the Main Event?

Early to mid-October, butterfly enthusiasts (and eager Instagrammers) should camp out along the I-35 Corridor. Warm, sunny days are prime time for monarch-spotting.

Monarch Butterfly Migration Map 2024: Track in real-time

Where Do They Chill for the Winter?

Mexico's oyamel fir forests in the Sierra Madre Mountains. It's like their own private, climate-controlled resort. In the summer, they're up north, crashing with their Canadian and American buds.

Why Are Monarch Numbers Dropping Like Flies?

Back in the 90s, seeing dozens to hundreds of monarchs was like, "Meh, Tuesday." Now, spotting even a hundred is like finding a unicorn.

Mexico's National Commission of Protected Natural Areas dropped some grim stats this year. The eastern population's overwintering area shriveled to a pathetic 0.9 hectares (about 2.22 acres). That's right, folks—we're losing our butterflies to crappy environmental management.

Meanwhile, California's western population also took a nosedive. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation counted 233,394 butterflies this year, down nearly 30% from last winter.

Blame habitat loss, milkweed shortages, agriculture (thanks, pesticides and herbicides!), development, and you guessed it—climate change.

How to Turn Your Garden into a Butterfly Rave

Plant milkweed: Monarchs are picky parents; they only lay eggs on milkweed. Plant varieties like common milkweed, butterfly weed, and swamp milkweed. It's like their own personal daycare.
Add nectar plants: Think asters, coneflowers, zinnias, lantana, and black-eyed Susans. Bright colors and flat shapes are butterfly magnets.
Create a sunny spot: Monarchs love sunbathing. Give them a patch of garden where they can soak up those rays.
Provide water sources: Shallow dishes with water or a damp soil puddling area will do. It's like a butterfly spa day.
Avoid pesticides: Don't be that person who kills the very thing they're trying to attract. Natural pest control, people!
Create shelter: Shrubs or trees provide a safe haven from strong winds and predators. It's their own private sanctuary.

Save the monarchs, save the world. Or at least, save something beautiful while we still can.