Butterfly Migration: The Great Journeys of Lepidoptera

Monarchs migrate 4,800 km from Canada to Mexico — the longest insect migration. Painted Ladies fly 14,000+ km from Europe to Africa. The migration takes multiple generations — no individual completes the full round trip.

They navigate using a sun compass in their antennae and a magnetic sense. Monarchs roost by the millions on oyamel fir trees in central Mexico. Climate change is disrupting these ancient patterns..