When will monarch butterflies migrate through West Virginia?

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Although West Virginia is not considered a hotspot on the migration path for its state insect, there are some ways West Virginians can help monarch butterflies on their annual journey south.

Monarchs spend the majority of the summer months in the northern half of the U.S. But starting in August, they begin their journey south, passing through West Virginia on their way to their winter roosting spot in Mexico. During this journey is the only that you might see the otherwise solitary monarch huddle together in clusters to stay warm. They only travel during the day and will often roost in trees.

Although they migrate by the millions, the big groups of monarchs that are often photographed in Mexico and Texas are unlikely going to be seen in West Virginia. The closest “super stop” to West Virginia on the monarch migration trail is in Virginia at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .

The young monarchs passing through West Virginia during August-November will not lay eggs. Instead, they will wait until after their hibernation and lay eggs on milkweed plants when they pass back through in the spring in March and April. Those offspring will hatch in about four days, become fully grown within a few weeks, and then finish the journey north.

To help monarchs on their southern journey, West Virginians, and other people in the eastern part of the U.S., can plant trees for them to roost in. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , pine, fir and cedar trees are some of their favorite roosting spots.

Some of the best ways to help monarchs are for their spring journey back to the north. During that time, the butterflies lay eggs on milkweed plants. By making milkweed available without pesticides, it will give monarchs a safe place to lay eggs and give the caterpillars a source of food.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources also recommends anyone who wants to help pollinators like butterflies consider joining the Wild Yard Program , which is a commitment to making your yard a suitable habitat for wildlife or starting a pollinator garden .

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