monarch butterfly journey north

© 1997 – 2019 Journey North. All rights reserved.

The North American network of monarch butterfly monitoring programs

Journey north.

Journey North engages students and citizen scientists around the globe in tracking wildlife migration and seasonal change. Participants share field observations across the northern hemisphere, exploring the interrelated aspects of seasonal change. In addition to monarchs, Journey North tracks the migration of several other species, including hummingbirds, robins, gray whales, whooping cranes, bald eagles, and tulips.

Publications

Monarch-centric Monitoring Programs

Programs monitoring all species.

• Mission & Vision
• Habitat Conservation
• Scientific Research and Monitoring
• Sustainable Development
• Education and Outreach
• News and Updates
• Publications
• Grants & Awards Overview
• Award Recipients
• Small Grants Program
• Project Challenges
• Population Status
• Annual Cycle
• Ways to Give
• MBF Champions
• Leaving a Legacy
• Things You Can Do
• The Monarch Butterfly Fund Story
• Where Funds Go
• Board, Advisors & Staff
• Join Our Board
• MBF Newsletters
• Newsletter Subscription

Support for Journey North

MBF supporting Journey North in its program to track the monarch migration.

July 16, 2023

MBF has supported Journey North to continue with their amazing work tracking the monarch migration. People can report their sightings and view maps of the migration .  During the fall, Estela Romero provides information on the overwintering sites and also delivers paper butterflies to children in the schools around the monarch area as part of the symbolic migration . Additionally she gives environmental education lessons through the " Beyond the Mexico " project that MBF also supports.

Monarch Butterfly

• Educational Resources
• Wildlife Guide
• Invertebrates

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

Danaus plexippus

Status: Not Listed

Classification: Invertebrate

Description

The large and brilliantly-colored monarch butterfly is among the most easily recognizable of the butterfly species that call North America home. They have two sets of wings and a wingspan of three to four inches (7 to 10 centimeters). Their wings are a deep orange with black borders and veins, and white spots along the edges. The underside of the wings is pale orange. Male monarchs have two black spots in the center of their hind wings, which females lack. These spots are scent glands that help males attract female mates. Females have thicker wing veins than males. The butterfly’s body is black with white markings.

Monarch caterpillars are striped with yellow, black, and white bands, and reach lengths of two inches (five centimeters) before metamorphosis. They have a set of antennae-like tentacles at each end of their body. The monarch chrysalis, where the caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis into the winged adult butterfly, is a beautiful seafoam green with tiny yellow spots along its edge.

Monarch butterflies are found across North America wherever suitable feeding, breeding, and overwintering habitat exists. They are broken into two populations separated by the Rocky Mountains, called the eastern and the western populations.

Whether monarchs are present in a given area within their range depends on the time of year. They are one of the few migratory insects, traveling great distances between summer breeding habitat and winter habitat where they spend several months inactive. In the summer they range as far north as southern Canada. In the fall the eastern population migrates to the cool, high mountains of central Mexico and the western population migrates to coastal California, where they spend the entire winter.

The population east of the Rocky Mountains contains the majority of the North American monarch population, which completes its northward migration through successive generations. They are found in the highest concentrations along a migratory flyway corridor through the central United States. In spring the monarchs leave overwintering grounds in Mexico and migrate north into Texas and the Southern Plains, then up through the Northern Plains and the Midwest, and finally up into the Great Lakes region. By late summer, eastern monarchs have spread north into Canada and eastward from the central migratory corridor throughout the Northeast and Southeast states.

From September into early October, fall southern migration to Mexico begins, with the majority of monarchs following the reverse path south along the central migratory corridor. Monarchs from the Northeast head south along the Atlantic coast, concentrating in the states that make up the Delmarva Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay on the journey. Florida is a stop for many monarchs before they fly over the Gulf Coast to Mexico. A much smaller population of monarch butterflies lives west of the Rocky Mountains. During summer, western monarchs live in canyons or riparian areas of the West, Southwest, inland California, and the inland Northwest states up to British Columbia. A small number of monarchs can be found in the coastal Pacific Northwest during summer months. Instead of making the long journey to Mexico, western monarchs only migrate as far south as coastal areas of central and southern California.

There are populations of monarchs in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and some islands of the Caribbean, as well as in New Zealand. Monarchs may have been blown to these place in storms or naturally dispersed there by island-hopping, or they may have been introduced by humans. These populations are not part of the annual migrations on the North American mainland.

Monarchs, like all butterflies, have a different diet during their larval caterpillar phase than they do as winged adults. As caterpillars, monarchs feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed, wildflowers in the genus Asclepias . North America has several dozen native milkweed species with which monarchs coevolved and upon which they rely to complete their life cycle.

Milkweed produces glycoside toxins to deter animals from eating them, but monarchs have evolved immunity to these toxins. As they feed, monarch caterpillars store up the toxins in their body, making them taste bad, which in turn deters their predators. The toxins remain in their system even after metamorphosis, protecting them as adult butterflies as well.

As adults, monarchs feed on nectar from a wide range of blooming native plants, including milkweed.

Life History

Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed, their only caterpillar host plant. It takes three to five days for the egg to hatch. After hatching and consuming their empty egg case, monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed. The caterpillars grow and molt several times over roughly a two-week period and then form a chrysalis in which they undergo metamorphosis. After approximately another two weeks within the chrysalis, they emerge as adult butterflies.

Most adult monarchs only live for a few weeks, searching for food in the form of flower nectar, for mates, and for milkweed on which to lay their eggs. The last generation that hatches in late summer delays sexual maturity and undertakes a spectacular fall migration, one of the few insects to do so. This migratory generation can live upward of eight months.

The annual monarch life cycle and migration begins at the monarchs’ overwintering grounds in Mexico (for the eastern population) and the central to southern California coastal region (for the western population). Around March, the overwintering monarchs begin their journey north. Once migration begins, monarchs become sexually mature and mate. The females begin their search for milkweed plants on which to lay eggs. After mating and egg-laying, the adult butterflies die and the northward migration is continued by their offspring. It takes three to five generations to repopulate the rest of the United States and southern Canada until the final generation of the year hatches and does the return journey to the overwintering grounds.

The monarch migration is one of the greatest phenomena in the natural world. Monarchs know the correct direction to migrate even though the individuals that migrate have never made the journey before. They follow an internal “compass" that points them in the right direction each spring and fall. A single monarch can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles.

Conservation

The monarch population has declined by approximately 90 percent since the 1990s. Monarchs face habitat loss and fragmentation in the United States and Mexico. For example, over 90 percent of the grassland ecosystems along the eastern monarch’s central migratory flyway corridor have been lost, converted to intensive agriculture or urban development. Pesticides are also a danger. Herbicides kill both native nectar plants where adult monarchs feed, as well as the milkweed their caterpillars need as host plants. Insecticides kill the monarchs themselves. Climate change alters the timing of migration as well as weather patterns, posing a risk to monarchs during migration and while overwintering. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is currently reviewing the species’ status.

One easy way to help monarchs is to participate in the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife program by planting a pesticide-free monarch habitat garden filled with native milkweed and nectar plants. North America has several dozen native milkweed species, with at least one naturally found in any given area. Use these regional guides to the best native nectar plants and milkweed for monarchs in your area. Listed plants are based on documented monarch visitation, and bloom during the times of year when monarchs are present, are commercially available, and are hardy in natural growing conditions for each region. You can get information about additional butterfly and moth host plant species native to your zip code using the Native Plant Finder .

Planting locally native species is the best option for helping monarchs because monarchs coevolved with native plants and their life cycles are in sync with each other. In the last decade tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) , a plant not native to the United States, has become an increasingly popular way to attract monarchs in garden settings. Tropical milkweed is ornamental and easy to grow, and has become one of the most available milkweed species in nursery trade. Monarchs happily lay eggs on it. Despite these qualities, when planted in southern states and California, tropical milkweed can encourage monarchs to skip their migration and continue to breed through the winter, potentially putting them at risk for disease and other complications that they would have avoided by migrating. The National Wildlife Federation encourages planting native milkweed and cutting back tropical milkweed in the fall to encourage monarch migration.

In addition to the Garden for Wildlife program, National Wildlife Federation campaigns such as Butterfly Heroes engages kids and families in bringing awareness to the declining monarch population and gets them involved in helping monarchs and other pollinators. Through the Mayors' Monarch Pledge , cities and municipalities are committing to creating habitat and educating citizens about how they can make a difference at home for monarchs.

Roadsides also offer habitat and respite for migrating butterflies and are the focus of a coordinated Monarch Highway effort by the National Wildlife Federation and partners along Interstate I-35, located along the monarch’s central migratory flyway. The National Wildlife Federation also works with the agriculture community and lawmakers to protect and to increase monarch habitat and declining grassland ecosystems.

Learn more about the National Wildlife Federation's work to restore habitat for monarch butterflies.

The National Wildlife Federation recommends that the best way to help monarchs is by restoring their natural habitat by planting native milkweeds and nectar plants, eliminating pesticides, and encouraging others to adopt these practices. Due to the risks of spreading disease, limiting healthy genetic diversity, and bypassing natural selection, the National Wildlife Federation does not support the rearing of monarch caterpillars in captivity, or the mass release of commercially farmed butterflies.

Monarch butterflies communicate with scents and colors. The males attract females to mate by releasing chemicals from scent glands on the hind wings. Monarchs signal to other animals that they are poisonous by having bright orange wings. The bright colors serve as a warning that predators should attack at their own risk.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Mariposa Monarca (Spanish translation)

Get Involved

Donate Today

Sign a Petition

Donate Monthly

Nearby Events

Sign Up for Updates

What's Trending

Take the Pledge

Encourage your mayor to take the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and support monarch conservation before April 30!

UNNATURAL DISASTERS

A new storymap connects the dots between extreme weather and climate change and illustrates the harm these disasters inflict on communities and wildlife.

Come Clean for Earth

Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place.

Creating Safe Spaces

Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all

Where We Work

More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive.

• ACTION FUND

PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583

800.822.9919

Join Ranger Rick

Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities

• Terms & Disclosures
• Privacy Policy
• Community Commitment

National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

You are now leaving nwf.org

In 4 seconds , you'll be redirected to our Action Center at www.nwfactionfund.org.

Journey North – Tracking Migrations and Seasons

PHOTO: SPRING 2019, TEXAS | “Lone female flew in, immediately laying eggs (50) on all available milkweed,” reported Julie Streit-Murphy of Vernon, Texas on March 23, 2019. Read the article .

Give people a profile-style introduction to Journey North and how it tracks the migrations of Monarchs throughout the year (not just 2017!). Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, et volutpat hendrerit intellegat has, ad quot doctus omittam per. Vis ne bonorum civibus, quas impetus scriptorem ex sed, quod tacimates nec ne. Pri ex oblique incorrupte scriptorem, movet convenire sit ex, hendrerit rationibus ex mei. Cu has vivendo theophrastus. Prompta nusquam et ius, agam adolescens vim ei. Vim reque affert cetero in, ullum deserunt repudiare eos ad, per ea ignota voluptaria. Saperet accusamus mediocritatem qui ad. Duo apeirian theophrastus ex. Te mea amet dolores.

Related Posts

Papalotzin – The flight of the Monarch Butterfly

Following the Monarchs in an Ultralight Airplane

Dreamy Visit to Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Roosts

Southeast Monarch Migration

When someone says “butterfly,” what’s the first word that comes to mind? 

For me, it’s monarchs. Monarchs are famous – widely admired for their marathon journeys and flashy wings. When I see this iconic butterfly, it feels like a celebrity sighting.   A mericans rank butterflies as a top favorite animal, second only to dogs. And what butterfly do you see most often in ads and social media? Monarchs. With its bright orange wings surrounded by a black border and covered with black veins, the monarch butterfly has a double row of white spots, present on the upper side and lower side of forewings and hindwings.

What makes monarchs so special? They fly long distances to make a two-way migration , like birds. During the summer, they live everywhere milkweed grows in North America, so that covers most of the U.S. and parts of Canada and Mexico. They reproduce in areas where their caterpillar children can eat milkweed leaves to their hearts content until they grow up to be butterflies. In the fall, monarch butterflies in eastern North America travel up to 3,000 miles to reach Mexico. 

Some people count on the arrival each migration season of monarchs to mark time, and monarchs are an important part of certain cultures.

Fall brings so many monarch butterflies to central Mexico that you can hear the sound of their wings. Their arrival coincides with the Day of the Dead, with the monarchs revered as the souls of ancestors returning to visit.

Is Monarch Migration Changing?  

Researchers are now noticing migratory changes in the eastern monarch population. Changes in the number of butterflies in Mexico have been observed for decades. According to the 2023 annual survey (conducted by The National Commission of Protected Natural Areas in Mexico, the World Wildlife Fund Mexico and the World Wildlife Fund TELMEX Telcel Foundation Alliance), the eastern population of overwintering monarch butterflies was 50 percent lower than the previous year. This follows a decades-long decline in the population as a whole. 

Changes in the timing of migration have occurred, too. More recently, changes in the behavior of monarchs during the winter have been evident, especially in the Southeast. While most eastern monarchs still migrate to Mexico, scientists see some monarchs remain in the Southern U.S. for the winter. Some live in southern Florida year-round. Others remain in warmer or coastal pockets of the Southeast. Researchers are unsure why these monarchs don’t migrate to Mexico, and much remains unexplored about what these changes in behavior might mean for the species.

Implications of Losing Monarch Migration

Changes in this eastern migration could have serious conservation impacts for ecosystem and monarch health. In the past, scientists have found that non-migratory monarchs have higher rates of infection with a butterfly parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE). The parasite infects monarchs, causing stunted wing size and shorter lifespans. In some cases, it causes failure to develop from caterpillars into butterflies. OE also affects monarchs’ ability to move. 

How You Can Help

Report monarch sightings in the Southeast:  Researchers rely on citizen scientists to get information. To help researchers understand monarchs in the Southeast, report your monarch sightings on a website called Journey North . We need citizens to help understand the changes and questions about monarchs. We especially want to hear if you see monarchs during the winter!  Need help with monarch ID? Learn how to identify monarch butterflies in this 30 second video.

Only plant native milkweed: Monarchs only lay eggs on milkweed. They need native milkweed because native species bloom times coincide with monarch migration patterns. It cues monarchs into when to arrive and when to depart an area on their long migration. Tropical milkweed is not native and does not benefit monarch butterflies.   Native milkweeds in the Southeast include butterfly milkweed, whorled milkweed, swamp milkweed, and other species. Monarchs and pollinators also need native flowers for nectar sources . 

Keep monarchs wild: Rearing monarchs in captivity may spread parasites like OE. It can also interfere with their ability to migrate, which the species needs to stay resilient and healthy. 

Related Stories

Latest Stories

You are exiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website

You are being directed to

We do not guarantee that the websites we link to comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Partnering to conserve the monarch butterfly migration

Each fall, North American monarchs travel from their summer breeding grounds to overwintering locations. East of the Rocky Mountains, monarchs travel up to an astonishing 3,000 miles to central Mexico, whereas the shorter migration west of the Rockies is to the California coast. There is evidence of some interchange between the eastern and western populations, perhaps when individuals cross the Rocky Mountains, when butterflies fly from the western U.S. to the Mexican wintering sites, or butterflies from the Mexican sites fly into the western U.S.

On This Page

Tracking the monarch migration through community science, correo real.

Correo Real is a monarch education project which tracks the monarch migration through northern Mexico. The project was created by Señora Rocio Treviño so that volunteers throughout northern Mexico could submit counts and observations of the fall monarch migration.

Journey North

Journey North engages citizen scientists from across North America in tracking migration and seasonal change to foster scientific understanding, environmental awareness, and the land ethic. Volunteers submit observations of the first monarchs in the spring, roosts in the fall as well as first emergence and presence of milkweed. Sign up for weekly news updates and watch real-time interactive maps.

Monarch Monitoring Project

The Monarch Monitoring Project, or Cape May Monitoring Project, focuses on the fall migration of monarchs along the Atlantic coast, specifically through Cape May, an important migratory stopover for east coast monarchs. Volunteers record monarchs moving through West Cape May and Cape May Point, New Jersey.

Monarch Watch Tagging

To determine monarch migration routes, and weather influence and survival during monarch migrations, Monarch Watch launched a tagging program to mark individual monarchs with a unique identification. The tagging program has produced a dataset with records of over one million tagged butterflies and more than 16,000 recoveries.

Peninsula Point Monitoring Project

Peninsula Point Monitoring Project is an effort managed by the U.S. Forest Service to monitor monarch larvae and conduct migration counts at an important stopover site on the northern shore of Lake Michigan, Peninsula Point.

Southwest Monarch Study

Understanding migratory and breeding patterns in Arizona and the desert Southwest is very important since monarchs there fall between the eastern and western migratory populations. The Southwest Monarch Study tracks the migration and breeding patterns of monarchs in this region.

Project Monarch

Project Monarch uses the world’s smallest tracking devices to track Monarch migration. Download the app on your Bluetooth-enabled iOS or Android device and scan for tagged monarchs. View maps of tagged monarch observations on the app or website.

Interactive Monarch Migration

Click on the seasons on the right for an interactive view of the monarchs' annual migration. When each animation is finished, click on the butterfly to learn more with videos and slide shows.

Go to full screen version

This map was created in collaboration with the Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University with generous support from U.S. Forest Service - International Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Eastern Monarchs

Decreasing day length and temperatures, along with aging milkweed and fewer nectar sources trigger a change in monarchs; this change signifies the beginning of the migratory generation. Unlike summer generations that live for two to six weeks as adults, adults in the migratory generation can live for up to nine months. Most monarch butterflies that emerge after about mid August in the eastern U.S. enter reproductive diapause (do not reproduce) and begin to migrate south in search of the overwintering grounds where they have never been before. From across the eastern U.S. and southern Canada, monarchs funnel toward Mexico. Along the way, they find refuge in stopover sites with abundant nectar sources and shelter from harsh weather. Upon reaching their destination in central Mexico beginning in early November, monarchs aggregate in oyamel fir trees on south-southwest facing mountain slopes. These locations provide cool temperatures, water, and adequate shelter to protect them from predators and allow them to conserve enough energy to survive winter. In March, this generation begins the journey north into Texas and southern states, laying eggs and nectaring as they migrate and breed. The first generation offspring from the overwintering population continue the journey from the southern U.S. to recolonize the eastern breeding grounds, migrating north through the central latitudes in approximately late April through May. Second and third generations populate the breeding grounds throughout the summer. It is generally the fourth generation that begins where we started this paragraph, migrating through the central and southern U.S. and northern Mexico to the wintering sites in central Mexico.

Western Monarchs

In any given year, adult monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains leave overwintering sites along the California coast (with a small number of sites in Baja California and Arizona) in February and March and head inland in search of milkweed on which to deposit their eggs. Once first-generation monarch eggs reach adulthood, they disperse east across the Central Valley and north across most of the western states. Second- and third-generation monarchs live and die throughout spring and summer, generally staying in the same areas where they hatched. The fourth generation (along with late bloomers from the third generation) emerges in late summer to fall. This migratory generation lives 6-9 months, compared to the 2-5 weeks of earlier generations. Western migratory monarchs also differ biologically from non-migratory generations; they are in a state of reproductive diapause, meaning their reproductive organs do not mature until later in the adult stage (after winter). Instead of looking for milkweed, fourth-generation western monarchs require nectar to build lipid reserves as they migrate south and west to the overwintering sites along the California coast (also in Baja California and Arizona), arriving around late October. Once they arrive, they roost for the winter in eucalyptus, Monterey cypress, Monterey pine, and other trees, sometimes in aggregations of thousands of individuals. In February and March, reproductive diapause ends and the annual cycle starts anew. Milkweed and nectar plant availability throughout the spring, summer, and fall will benefit western monarchs. In areas of the desert southwest, monarchs use nectar and milkweed plants throughout much of the year. For western monarch information and resources, visit the Western Monarchs category of our Downloads and Links page .

How do monarchs find the overwintering sites?

Orientation is not well understood in insects. In monarchs, orientation is especially mysterious. How do millions of monarchs start their southbound journey from all over eastern and central North America and end up in a very small area in the mountains of central Mexico? How do western monarchs find the same overwintering groves year after year? We know that they do not learn the route from their parents since only about every fourth to fifth generation of North American monarch migrates. Therefore, it is certain that monarchs rely on their instincts rather than learning to find overwintering sites. What kind of instincts might they rely on? Other animals use celestial cues (the sun, moon, or stars), the earth’s magnetic field, landmarks (mountain ranges or bodies of water), polarized light, infra-red energy perception, or some combination of these cues. Of these, the first two are considered to be the most likely cues that monarchs use, and consequently have been studied the most.

Sun Compass : Since monarchs migrate during the day, the sun is the celestial cue most likely to be useful in pointing the way to the overwintering sites. This proposed mechanism is called a sun compass. Monarchs may use the angle of the sun along the horizon in combination with an internal body clock (like a circadian rhythm) to maintain a southwesterly flight path. The way this would work is illustrated below. For example, if a monarch’s internal clock reads 10:00 AM, then the monarch will fly to the west of the sun to maintain a southern flight direction. When the monarch’s internal clock reads noon (12:00 PM), the monarch’s instincts tell it to fly straight toward the sun, while later in the day the monarch’s instincts tell it to fly to the east of the sun.

However, this would have to be combined with the use of some other kind of cue. If all the monarchs in eastern and central North America maintained a southwesterly flight, they could never all end up in the same place. It has been proposed that mountain ranges are important landmarks used by monarchs during their migration. For example, when eastern monarchs encounter a mountain range, their instincts might tell them to turn south and follow the mountain range. This kind of instinct would serve to funnel monarchs from the entire eastern half of North America to a fairly small region in the mountains of central Mexico.

Magnetic Compass: Scientists have suggested that monarchs may use a magnetic compass to orient, possibly in addition to a sun compass or as a “back-up” orientation guide on cloudy days when they cannot see the sun. Studies of migratory birds have indicated that they register the angle made by the earth’s magnetic field and the surface of the earth. These angles point south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere.

James Kanz (1977) conducted experiments to test the orientation of migratory monarchs held in cylindrical flight chambers. He reported that the monarchs flew in southwesterly directions on sunny days, but flew in random directions on cloudy days. He concluded that monarchs primarily use the sun to orient, and that magnetic orientation was unlikely, since the monarchs did not appear to be able to orient when they could not use the sun. However, Klaus Scmidt-Koenig (1985) reported conflicting evidence. He recorded the vanishing bearings (the direction in which a monarch disappears from sight) of wild, migratory monarchs, and found that even on cloudy days, most monarchs still flew in a southwesterly direction. Scientists attempted additional tests of magnetic orientation, but were not able to determine whether monarchs use the Earth’s magnetic field to orient.

However, researchers from the Reppert Lab (2014) showed that migratory monarchs indeed possess a magnetic compass that aids in orienting migrants south towards their overwintering grounds during fall migration. Remarkably, the use of the magnetic compass requires short wave UV-light (previous magnetic compass experiments failed to account for light at this range). With UV-light being allowed to enter the flight simulator, eastern migratory monarchs consistently oriented themselves south. The light-sensitive magnetosensors reside in the adult monarch’s antennae. While the expert consensus remains that the sun compass is the monarch’s primary compass for navigation, the authors suggest migratory monarchs use the magnetic compass to augment their sun compass.

Genetics : Upon dispersal, the Central and South American, Atlantic, and Pacific populations lost the ability to migrate. This prompted researchers to identify the gene regions in North American monarchs that appeared highly differentiated from non-migratory populations. Kronforst et al. (2014) identified 536 genes significantly associated with migration. One single genomic segment appeared to be divergent in the non-migrating populations and was extremely different from the North American population. One gene, collagen IV alpha-1, showed high divergence between migrating and non-migrating populations. Collagen IV alpha-1 is an important gene for muscle function, and divergence of this gene implicates selection for different flight muscles between migrating and non-migrating populations. Surprisingly, Collagen IV alpha-1 was down regulated in migratory monarchs, perhaps preparing them for lengthy flight. Furthermore, migrating monarchs had low metabolic rates compared to non-migrants as a consequence of flight muscle performance, lowering energy expenditure in migrating monarchs muscles. This evidence led researchers to conclude that changes in muscle function afforded migrating monarchs the ability to fly farther and use their energy more efficiently. Dr. Kronforst used the analogy of a marathon runner vs. a sprinter, "Migrating butterflies are essentially endurance athletes, while others are sprinters."

Overwintering Biology

Where do the monarchs go.

It is thought that monarchs were originally tropical butterflies that underwent range expansion. Scientists are not sure how long the monarch’s spectacular annual migration to Mexico has been occurring; it may be as old as 10,000 years (when the glaciers last retreated from North America) or as young as a few centuries. The earliest reports of overwintering clusters of monarchs in the United States were from California in the 1860s.

Monarch overwintering sites in Mexico and along the California coast have particular characteristics that enable monarch survival. These characteristics are important because they provide the monarch with the right overwintering conditions. Trees on which to cluster are one of the most important elements of the sites. The climate and the entire surrounding area are also important. Nearby trees, streams, underbrush, and fog or clouds all form an intricate natural ecosystem comprising the monarchs’ winter habitat. Monarchs need a cool place to roost so that they don’t use up their energy reserves as quickly. They also need to be protected from snow and winds. The surrounding trees serve as a buffer to the winds and snow.

Although monarchs are found in many areas of the world, the most spectacular migration occurs in North America.

Monarchs that spend the summer breeding season in eastern North America (including states and provinces east of the Rocky Mountains: central and eastern Canada, midwestern and eastern United States) migrate to the Transvolcanic mountains of central Mexico. Many millions of monarchs from these regions fly south to Mexico each fall. Their flight pattern is shaped like a cone as they come together and pass over the state of Texas on their way south. In massive butterfly clouds, they sweep up into the mountain ranges of central Mexico. Indigenous Mexican cultures of the Transvolcanic Range have welcomed the monarch migration since time immemorial; in 1975 scientists from Canada and the U.S. recorded the overwintering sites for the first time.

In Mexico, monarchs roost in oyamel fir forests, which occur in a very small mountainous area in central Mexico. Overwintering sites are about 3000 meters (almost 2 miles) above sea level and are on steep, southwest-facing slopes. Because monarchs need water for moisture, the fog and clouds in this mountainous region provide another important element for the winter survival of the monarchs. The butterflies choose spots that are close to, but not quite, freezing. They cluster together, covering whole tree trunks and branches, and cling to fir and pine needles. The tall trees make a thick canopy over their heads. Protective trees and bushes soften the wind and shield the butterflies from the occasional snow, rain, or hail. Each of the above elements is important to the butterflies, making up the monarch habitat – trees in which to roost, other trees and shrubs to protect them, the cool air, and the presence of water.

Monarchs do not reproduce until the spring, so they do not rely on milkweed during this time. They do seek out water and drink nectar from flowers in the overwintering sites. These two documents list nectar plants identified within the overwintering reserves in Mexico (documents are in Spanish): PLANTAS de la Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca , PLANTAS .

Monarchs that spend the summer breeding season in western North America (including states west of the Rocky Mountains: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Montana) migrate to specific overwintering groves along the California coast roughly between Mendocino County in the north, and San Diego County in the South. Here, monarchs roost in eucalyptus trees, Monterey pines, and Monterey cypresses that are located in bays sheltered from wind, or farther inland where they're protected from storms. There are over 400 historic overwintering aggregations in California in addition to many temporary clusters. Scientists estimate that the California monarchs make up about 5% of the overall worldwide monarch population. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation has mapped out where to see congregations of overwintering monarchs in California here .

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

On the path of Latin America's greatest wildlife migration

In the highland forests of Michoacán, Mexico, nature tours are helping local communities safeguard millions of monarch butterflies that arrive each winter — an important migratory phenomenon that’s remained unchanged since its discovery was published in National Geographic in the 1970s.

‘I gazed in amazement at the sight’ reads a photocopy of a 1976 National Geographic article on my lap. The words are bouncing on the page as the truck flies over steep mountain roads, but I can’t stop reading. ‘Butterflies — millions upon millions of monarch butterflies!’

The monarch’s wintering home — a mystery to scientists until the 1970s — was confirmed when Canadian zoologist Fred Urquhart and American entomologist Lincoln Brower were called to the northern Michoácan mountains in early 1976. Urquhart had spent 30 years studying their winter migration and the discovery made the cover of National Geographic a few months later, with a feature written by him.   Almost 50 years on, I’m making the same journey to Mexico’s Central Highlands, hoping to see the world’s greatest insect migration for myself. These days it’s possible to take a tour. I’ve joined a five-day trip to El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, two UNESCO-protected sanctuaries in the Highlands. Between November and March, they become the wintering grounds for millions of monarch butterflies seeking refuge from the freezing temperatures in North America.  

Our open-air truck rattles on a cobbled road as we climb to 9,850 feet above sea level. Now and again I get a glimpse of the mighty Sierra Madre: a chain of densely forested mountains cloaked in wisps of pearl-coloured fog, or perhaps smoke from a village cooking fire.

Cowboys ride the cobbled streets on horseback, trailed by dogs that look like polar bears. At El Rosario, we mount horses to help us reach the monarch colony. When the steep, muddy trail opens into a clearing, we dismount and continue on foot. Raindrops hang from pine needles like icicles and I see a flash of green and red as a white-eared hummingbird sips on nectar.  

With every step, the number of dead or drowsy butterflies resting on the forest floor multiplies. Their wings, thin as parchment paper, are a deep orange with black veins and white spots along the edges. “We’re getting close,” whispers one of our guides, Eric Ramirez.  

Up ahead, I spot enormous native oyamel fir trees covered in a strange textured shadow that runs along the trees’ midriffs, like an embroidered dress woven in grey and pale orange threads; their branches droop and sway with great effort in the wind. “We’re here,” says Eric, excitement ringing in his voice.  

It takes me a moment to realise but, just as Urquhart had described, thousands of monarchs are clinging to the trees in thick clumps with wings closed tight, like a beehive protecting its queen. While a single monarch weighs less than a gram, their combined weight is heavy enough to warp the branches of an ancient oyamel tree. Despite never visiting this forest before — it takes at least four or five generations of monarchs to complete the round-trip from North America to central Mexico — the butterflies return to the same group of fir trees every year, huddling in ‘roosts’, to minimise predation.

“It’s a mystery how they know where to go,” Eric tells me as we take a closer look through a telescope. “Brower had a theory that they use magnetite crystals in the earth to navigate, but we don’t know for certain.”

The next morning, 11 miles north in the butterfly sanctuary of Sierra Chincua, the sun pierces through the clouds, warming the monarchs’ wings and sending them fluttering into the air. Their deep orange sets the blue sky ablaze, as if someone has lit a million pieces of paper on fire and dropped them from a plane.

Surrounded, I’m sure I can hear their wings beating through the air, like a whisper in my ear.“If you’re quiet enough, you can hear them talking,” says a man next to me. He’s a mezcal producer from the nearby city of Zitacuaro, visiting with his family. I ask who he means by ‘them’. “Our ancestors,” he responds.  

Monarchs often arrive in Mexico around Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead; 1 -2 November), a time when Mexicans believe the departed can rejoin their families for feasting and celebration. The timing led the Purépecha — an Indigenous group that settled in Michoacán around the 11th century — to believe monarchs were the souls of their ancestors returning to Earth.  

“You think this is beautiful,” says Diego Gonzalez, our guide in Sierra Chincua, as the butterflies flutter back to their branches. “I remember when we had 400 trees full of monarchs — you couldn’t see the sky there were so many.”

It’s difficult to believe while I’m surrounded by thousands of them, but monarch butterflies are at their lowest-ever numbers. According to WWF, their population has declined by 90% in the last two decades due to illegal logging in Mexico, the use of herbicides in the US and Canada, and extreme weather conditions caused by global warming.

Conservation organisations such as WWF and the Monarch Butterfly Fund are working with land owners and governments to reduce deforestation and protect the monarchs’ wintering grounds. Sustainable wildlife tourism — the most obvious alternative to logging — could be part of the solution.  

“We know monarch populations can bounce back quickly given the chance,” says Fernando Romo, who’s been guiding monarch tours like this one for Natural Habitat Adventures, WWF’s official tourism partner, in Michoacán, for over 20 years. “I’ve noticed big changes in the town of Angangueo — more children are going to school, houses are in better condition, and there’s very little illegal logging within the sanctuaries now. That’s all down to tourism.”

Whether the only known butterfly migration on Earth will still exist in another 50 years is uncertain. But, for now, Mexico’s conservation efforts and the commitment of local communities gives me some hope for the monarchs’ survival.

Related Topics

• WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
• BUTTERFLIES
• ANIMAL MIGRATION

You May Also Like

The harrowing 5,000-mile flight of North America's wild whooping cranes

See monarch butterflies in all their glory on this California road trip

Free bonus issue.

Scientists just found an evolutionary holy grail

These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs

Whales and butterflies are the real celebrities in Santa Barbara

Monarch butterflies aren't endangered, reversing recent decision. Is that good news?

Can monarchs adapt to a rapidly changing world?

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet
• History & Culture

History & Culture

• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

Map shows monarch butterflies as they return to Michigan this spring

• Updated: Apr. 23, 2024, 8:17 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 23, 2024, 7:30 a.m.

Julian Leshay | NJ Advance Media Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

• Emily Bingham | [email protected]

Now here’s some hopeful news: Monarch butterflies will soon be back.

After spending the winter in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains, Eastern monarch butterflies are currently making their way north to spend the warmer months across the eastern U.S. and Canada. These tiny, delicate insects will fly up to 100 miles a day, with some traveling as far as 3,000 miles before reaching their destination.

If you’re excited about the return of these black-and-orange beauties, you can follow their migration in nearly real time via the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Journey North website , which uses citizen-reported sightings to share maps and updates tracking monarchs and other North American migratory species.

RELATED: Love monarchs? What to grow this year to see more butterflies in your yard

The spring 2024 map for Eastern monarchs has been tracking the butterflies’ migration since late winter, with the northernmost sightings so far appearing in West Virginia, Virginia, Missouri and Kentucky. Last year, Journey North’s earliest sightings of monarch butterflies in Michigan were reported in mid-April.

Both Western and Eastern monarch populations have declined in the past two decades, with experts citing habitat loss, the widespread use of pesticides and insecticides, and effects of climate change as contributing factors.

Volunteer-reported observations of monarchs as well as the presence of milkweed, a hardy plant that monarchs need to survive, allows Journey North to collect data that in turn helps researchers and conservation work.

See the Journey North monarch butterfly map here. To report a monarch butterfly sighting, visit journeynorth.org/sightings .

Learn more about Journey North at journeynorth.org

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Monarch Journey

Bring a fun learning experience to your classroom.

A Monarch Journey butterfly program brings a wealth of educational, fun and easy to understand information about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, ( Danaus, plexippus ) using a variety of media, including live caterpillars and butterflies. Students and adults of all ages benefit from the experience of seeing live monarch butterfly caterpillars munching milkweed in a safe-for-the-caterpillar environment. Check out the program page for more information and fee schedule.

In light of past and present Covid 19 and school, library, and nursing home visiting restrictions, Monarch Journey has temporarily suspended indoor butterfly program bookings for the 2022 Spring, Summer and Fall season. Please inquire if you are interested in booking a 2022 OUTDOOR Fall program or Spring 2023 indoor program (circumstances permitting), Spring, Summer or Fall 2023 outdoor program.

The Monarch Journey website is under construction for the next few months. Please bear with me as I continue to update the site.

Please browse the web site pages and links. Click Events to see upcoming and past outdoor events!

Head over to the Monarch Journey Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/Monarch.Journey where you will find current news, articles, photos and lots more! LIKE Monarch Journey on Facebook!

Check out Info for links to field guides, monarch rearing books, milkweed and wildflower vendors, excellent garden tools*, Fun Facts, and more!

Need a great field guide* ? Look no further! This field guide , The Enlarged and Updated Second Edition of Milkweed Monarchs and More: A Field Guide to the Invertebrate Community in the Milkweed Patch by Ba Rea, Dr. Karen Oberhauser, Michael A. Quinn is a must have for field and backyard explorations. Packed with lots of photographs, this book takes the guesswork out of insect identification and provides a multitude of facts about the milkweed community.

Check out Links to read about the monarch’s partial comeback in Mexico; to find resources for native milkweeds,  and read “Trailing the Monarchs”,   a series about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly written by teacher naturalist/art educator Loretta Shigo and published by the Bucks County Herald in 2009.

Celebrate your love for monarch butterflies and help to support Monarch Journey’s work. Spread the love and check out Butterfly Merch , where you can find original design work on T-shirts, mugs, and more! Great gift ideas for the monarch lovers in your life.

Program Fee info: download program info in PDF format .

If you would like to book a monarch butterfly program or have question, send an email to: info @ monarchjourney.com (Delete the spaces before and after @ before submitting email)

how a Monarch Journey Program will enhance your classroom.

more about the Caterpillar Munch, Pupa Dance & other Fun Facts.

videos created using time lapse photography.

• © copyright 2018, Monarch Journey. All rights reserved.
•          
• Website created by Sylvatica Solutions

• YouTube icon

Evolution News & Science Today

Intelligent design, life sciences, battle butterflies.

You can probably think of a lot of creatures that a military might decide to copy for its submarine designs. Sharks or giant squids. Whales, perhaps. Or what about… butterflies? 

MIT  reports  that one of their engineers, Dr. Philip Daniel, is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense to a create a magnetic navigation system inspired by monarch butterflies. Daniel explains:

They’re able to migrate long distances and find the exact forest that their ancestors were born into. How? One theory is that they’re able to sense the Earth’s magnetic field. They have a compass in their head, and they can use it to get where they want to go. The question is: Can humanity take advantage of the Earth’s magnetic field to accurately navigate without GPS?

Every year, around a billion monarchs travel from across North America to gather overwinter in a few specific locations in Mexico. Because adult monarchs live less than a year, none of these butterflies have made the journey before, yet they all somehow know how to travel hundreds upon hundreds of miles to arrive in the same place. (The sheer awesomeness of this journey is well-presented in the excellent Illustra Media documentary  Metamorphosis: The Beauty and Design of Butterflies  (2011). If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.)

Magnetic Fingerprints

Daniel calls the navigational mechanism a compass, but this is just a shorthand. The word “compass” doesn’t do justice to the equipment monarchs have, as Daniel himself would no doubt be the first to acknowledge — after all, the U.S. miliary already  has  compasses. But monarchs have much more. What they need to navigate from different locations across the U.S. and Canada to a specific destination in Mexico is more like a complete GPS system. 

So how do they do it? Daniel explains that deposits of metal in the earth’s crust can create ripples in the magnetic field, giving certain sites specific “fingerprints” to a highly sensitive detector. It has been hypothesized that monarchs use such a system, and that’s what he is hoping to create for the U.S. military. 

Monarch navigation is still poorly understood, although we have figured out some pieces of it. The hypothesis of a magnetic map is necessary because what they are already known to use wouldn’t be enough to do what they do. So  far, it’s known that they have an internal  solar compass  calibrated with an internal clock, and an internal  magnetic compass as a backup for night and cloudy weather, but both of those systems would only tell them latitudinal direction, not longitude. 

A reason to suspect that a magnetic map might be the solution is that it has been shown to exist in other animals. Experiments have  demonstrated  that turtle hatchlings can use magnetic fields to determine both latitude and longitude, implying they possess a sort of internal geographic coordinate system based on the earth’s magnetic field. 

Nobody knows how this magnetic mapping system actually works. Whether it’s turtles, monarchs, or one of the  other animals  with seemingly magical navigational capabilities, we can still only wonder at what they can do. But if Dr. Daniel and his lab can crack the problem and engineer even a large and clumsy human equivalent of a magnetic mapping system, it might yield clues towards the design of the natural systems. A manmade functioning version would show how the system theoretically can work, and those details might enable scientists to make hypotheses that can be experimentally tested on butterflies and other migratory animals. 

As always, biologists and engineers working together yields both better manmade designs and better understanding of the designs of living creatures. 

Next on the Agenda…Self-Assembling Helicopters? 

Incidentally, this navigation system is not even the most impressive thing about butterfly design. Another engineering marvel, also discussed in  Metamorphosis , is the metamorphosis itself. It turns out, during the transformation the caterpillar completely dissolves within the chrysalis into a gooey soup, before self-assembling into a butterfly. Needless to say, this requires an incomprehensible level of coordination and planning to succeed. 

Who knows? Eventually, the U.S. miliary might invent a tank than can dissolve and reassemble itself as a helicopter. 

But I guess we’d better just start where we are. For the time being, the sophistication of butterfly design is far, far beyond us. 

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

Moscow Travel Guide

• Guide to Russia
• Russian Destination Guide

Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

Top Sights in Moscow

St. Basil’s

Novodevichy Convent

MORE SIGHTS

• Moscow Fact File
• History of Moscow Russia
• Arriving in Moscow
• Getting Around
• Moscow Museums
• Nightlife in Moscow
• Moscow Restaurants
• Moscow Entertainment
• Activities in Moscow
• Outside Moscow

FEATURED MOSCOW TOURS

See tours which enjoy highest popularity with our customers

CLASSIC MOSCOW

A WEEK IN MOSCOW

WEEKEND IN MOSCOW

View all tours

Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

107 Animals That Start With M

By Eddie Chevrel

Updated on June 3, 2022

What animals start with the letter M? We’ve gathered them all here for you to have them in one place – from the majestic manta ray to the annoying moth, right through to the mink and the mole.

So without further ado, here is the list of animals that start with the letter M.

Animals Starting With The Letter M – The Complete List

Macaroni Penguin

Mackenzie Wolf

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Madagascar Tree Boa

Magellanic Penguin

• Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish)

Malayan Civet

Malayan Tiger

Maltese Shih Tzu

Mamushi Snake

Man of War Jellyfish

Manchester Terrier

Mandarin Rat Snake

Mangrove Snake

Mantella Frog

Marabou Stork

Marine Iguana

Marine Toad

Masked Angelfish

Masked Palm Civet

Megamouth Shark

Mekong Giant Catfish

Mexican Alligator Lizard

Mexican Black Kingsnake

• Mexican Eagle (Northern crested caracara)

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat

Mexican Mole Lizard

Mexican Red Knee Tarantula

Midget Faded Rattlesnake

Mini Labradoodle

Miniature Bull Terrier

Miniature Husky

Miniature Pinscher

Minke Whale

Mississippi Kite

Moccasin Snake

Mojave Rattlesnake

Mole Cricket

Monarch Butterfly

Monitor Lizard

Monocled Cobra

• Monte Iberia Eleuth

Moon Jellyfish

Moscow Watchdog

Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Cur

Mountain Feist

Mountain Gorilla

Mountain Lion

Mourning Dove

Mulga Snake

Mussurana Snake

The Macaroni Penguin is a species of penguin that lives in the Subantarctic to the Antarctic Peninsula. They are sometimes known as “Penguin Mike” because they make a specific sound when puffing out their chests. This is thought to be a call for mates, but it’s not clear why only males do this.

The macaw is a parrot that comes in many different colors and sizes. The largest macaws are at least two feet tall, while the smallest is only 10 inches long. Macaws live in South America and Central America, where they eat fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and leaves from trees such as Brazil nut trees and acai palm trees.

Mackenzie Wolf is a subspecies of Grey Wolf that lives in the northwest area of North America. It is named after explorer Alexander Mackenzie and has been known to attack humans when provoked or looking for food.

The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach is a species of cockroach that can grow up to 3 inches long! They live in Madagascar and eat plants and other insects.

The Madagascar Tree Boa is a large snake found only on Madagascar Island, where it lives in trees and eats small mammals such as rats or mice. These snakes can grow up to 10 feet long!

This penguin can be found in South America and the Falkland Islands. They swim in cold water and have blackheads and white bodies. Their diet consists of fish, squid, crabs and krill.

Maggots are fly larvae that feed on dead animals or decaying matter; they are sometimes used as fishing bait because they attract fish but don’t kill them (like conventional bait).

Magpies are members of the Corvidae family and are native to Europe and Asia. They have black and white feathers with a yellow beak and feet. They eat insects, small mammals, seeds, berries and other fruit. They have an average lifespan of 5 years in the wild but up to 15 years in captivity.

Mahi Mahi is a type of fish that lives in tropical oceans worldwide with an average length of 1-2 meters long! It can be found mostly near coral reefs or rocky bottoms but also in open water if there are enough food sources nearby like algae or plankton, for instance!

The Maine Coon is a breed of domestic cat. It was developed in New England and is one of the largest domestic breeds, known for its particularly long body and strong muscles. The cat has a distinctively long tail and large paws.

The Malayan civet is a viverrid native to Southeast Asia. It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The civets are solitary animals that feed on insects and small vertebrates such as birds and rodents. They are also known to prey upon lizards and snakes.

The Malayan tiger is an endangered subspecies of tigers found in the forests of Indonesia and Malaysia. Once common throughout Southeast Asia, their numbers have declined due to hunting and habitat loss. Today, fewer than 500 tigers are left in the wild out of an estimated total population of 3200 tigers worldwide!

Mallards are members of the duck family Anatidae found in Europe and North America and parts of Asia and Africa. They are often kept as pets because they are easy to care for, but they may become aggressive during mating season when they feel threatened by other males or humans who get too close while trying to mate with females!

A breed of dog that has been around since ancient times. They are small but very intelligent and easy to train. They are also known for their love of human affection, making great companions for people who like pets that can cuddle with them!

A cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu dog, this mix was created by breeders in order to get the best qualities from both breeds-the intelligence of the Maltese combined with the playful nature of the Shih Tzu.

Breeders created a cross between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle, this mix to get the best qualities from both breeds-the intelligence of the Maltese combined with the playful nature of the Toy Poodle.

The mamushi snake can be found throughout Japan and China and is one of the most venomous snakes globally. It has an aggressive temperament and will attack humans who get too close to it.

Also known as blue jellyfish, this species is found all over the world’s oceans. Its bright blue coloration makes it easy to spot in the water, but its sting is not deadly to humans-just excruciating.

Manatees are large marine mammals that live off Florida’s coast in shallow waters. They have rounded bodies with short heads that are sometimes called “sea cows.” Their skin is grayish brown and covered with fine hairs called “whiskers,” which help them navigate their murky habitat.

This small dog breed was developed in Manchester, England, during the nineteenth century. They have compact bodies with long legs, which make them great jumpers! They come in many different colors, including black and white.

The Mandarin Rat Snake is a non-venomous snake that lives mainly in China but can also be found in Taiwan and Singapore. It has a brownish back and orange belly with black spots on it.

The mandrill is a colorful baboon found in Africa. They have large, hairless heads with bright orange or red cheeks and blue buttocks. They also have large nasal cavities used to make loud calls when hunting for food or warning others of danger.

The maned wolf is native to South America. Their name comes from the long reddish-brown hair on their backs that resembles a mane. They are omnivores and eat both plants and animals such as rodents, birds, insects, and reptiles. They also scavenge carcasses when they can find them, which helps them get nutrients from meat without killing anything themselves!

The Mangrove Snake is a non-venomous reptile found in coastal regions worldwide. They have large triangular heads with sharp teeth designed for eating fish, which makes them great hunters! They also have an excellent vision that allows them to see their prey far away-even at night!

The Manta Ray is one of the largest ray species in the world, growing up to 20 feet wide! These creatures can be found swimming in warm tropical waters all over the globe; however, they are most commonly seen near coral reefs, where they feed on plankton, small fish, and crustaceans. Their bodies are covered in tiny tooth-like scales called denticles (made out of calcium carbonate) which protect them from predators.

This frog has been known for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It contains an alkaloid called D-tubocurarine, which helps relax muscles during surgery or childbirth by blocking electrical signals from nerves to muscles. There are currently only five species left in the world!

The marabou stork is a large bird that lives in Africa and Asia. It can be found in the savanna or open country near water. The name “marabou” comes from the Arabic word for “bald.”

The marble fox is a small fox living in northern China and Mongolia. It has white fur on its body and black fur around its eyes. The name “marble” comes from the appearance of this animal’s fur when it is wet – it looks like marble!

The marine iguana is an iguana that lives in the Galapagos Islands off South America. These animals feed on seaweed, algae and other sea plants underwater. They have special adaptations for living underwater, such as webbed feet and nostrils on top of their heads so they can breathe while submerged!

The marine toad has a large flat head with bulging eyes and wide nostrils. Its skin is reddish-brown and covered in warts. It has webbed feet and long, sticky fingers that help it catch prey in water.

The markhor is a wild goat found in Afghanistan. It has long legs and horns that curve backward from its head like scimitars. The male markhor’s horns can grow up to 6 feet long!

The marmoset is native to South America and gets its name from its resemblance to monkeys of the same name found in Africa. They are very small animals-usually only six inches tall-and have large heads with rounded foreheads, and large eyes set close together on either side of their face. They are also called “little monkeys” because they act like monkeys sometimes (like when they eat their poop).

Marmots are rodents that live in cold climates. They are large and covered in fur, making them look like big fluff balls! Their bodies are a light brown with white patches on their faces and bellies. Marmots hibernate during the winter months when it gets cold outside.

The marsh frog is one of several species of amphibians that can be found around the world today. This amphibian has long legs, which help it hop around its habitat much more easily than other frogs do! It is usually brown or greenish-brown in color with some darker brown spots on its back legs (which appear like stripes). It can grow up to eight inches long-much larger than most other frogs!

The masked angelfish lives in coral reefs around Southeast Asia and Australia, where it feeds on coral polyps by eating their tentacles before destroying their bodies with its sharp teeth! The fish gets its name from its bright colors: yellowfins with orange stripes.

The masked palm civet is a nocturnal mammal native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as the banded palm civet or Zibetto palm civet, which refers to its striped coat. It has large eyes and small rounded ears close to its head.

Massasaugas are small snakes with large triangular heads and glossy scales. They tend to be brown or black, with yellowish bellies or throats. Massasaugas have been found throughout North America, including southern Canada and the United States.

Matadors are large dogs initially bred in Spain as herders and guard dogs for cattle ranches. Still, they have since been used as guard dogs for other animals such as sheep and goats and pets owned by people living in rural areas where there may be no fences around their homes or yards (such as farms). They can weigh up to 175 pounds!

Maltese Eagle Dog

Maltese Eagle Dogs is a small-sized dog breed. They have a long, silky coat in white and black or white and gray. These dogs are known for their hunting ability and their loyalty to their owners.

A Mastiff is a dog breed. It is one of the giant breeds of dogs in the world. The Mastiff is an ancient breed that has been around for centuries. The Mastiff is known to be gentle and loving with its owners, but it can be aggressive towards other animals and people.

The mayfly is an insect that only lives for a few hours after it emerges from its watery egg case. The insect usually travels around looking for food before it dies at nightfall. Mayflies are found all over the world, except in Antarctica.

The meagle is a small mammal found in Australia that has a very long neck and legs that help it reach high branches where it eats leaves and fruit from trees. Meagles are also known as wallabies because they climb over walls to escape predators like dingos or foxes that try to catch them for food or fun! Humans have hunted this species for thousands of years because they have fur on their backs which makes nice warm clothing during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing point!

A Mealybug is a small insect that feeds on plants and fruits. Its name comes from its white mealy substance, which it produces when it feels threatened by predators such as ants or spiders.

Meerkats are African mammals that live in groups called “mobs.” They are omnivores and feed on insects, small reptiles, amphibians and rodents. Their main predators are jackals, snakes and large birds.

Megalodon is an extinct shark species that lived between 23 and 2.6 million years ago. It was one of the giant sharks ever and probably reached a maximum length of 17 m (55 ft). Its teeth were up to 7 inches long! The megalodon became extinct about 1.5 million years ago after a decline starting around 1 million years ago.

The megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) is a rare lamniform shark that inhabits deep-water environments worldwide. It is characterized by a large head and a broad mouth lined with numerous rows of tiny teeth.

The Mekong giant catfish, Pangasianodon gigas, is the largest species of freshwater fish in the world, reaching up to 10 feet in length and weighing up to 300 pounds. It can be found in Southeast Asia and is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN due to overfishing and habitat loss.

The Mexican alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) is an endangered species that lives in Mexico and the United States. It is commonly confused with its cousin, the common garter snake because they look almost identical but have different habitats.

The Mexican black kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita) subspecies of the common kingsnake in Mexico and southern Arizona. It can grow up to six feet long and has dark brown blotches on its back. It’s often mistaken for a venomous coral snake because of its similar coloring.

Mexican Eagle

This bird is a large raptor with a yellowish-brown body and black wings. It is also called the Northern Crested Caracara. It has a crest of feathers on its head and a black mask around its eyes. It lives in Mexico and Central America, and hunts for food at dusk or dawn.

The Mexican free-tailed bat is one of the most common types of bat in North America. It lives throughout Mexico and parts of the United States, where it roosts in caves during the day before flying out at night to hunt for insects.

The Mexican mole lizard is native to Mexico and Central America. It has a long body that curves upward at the end like an S, so it looks like it has two tails! It eats insects, small reptiles, and worms that live underground-hence its name!

The Mexican red knee tarantula is a type of large spider that is native to Central America. These spiders are characterized by their black bodies and red legs. They are popular in the pet trade.

A snake found in sub-Saharan Africa that can grow up to ten feet long! It gets its name because its movement resembles that of a snake moving through water (mamba = mambo).

The muntjac is a small deer species that lives in Asia. They are very good at eating bamboo shoots, and they can jump high! They are like rabbits in that way, but they’re not rabbits-they’re just related to them.

The Muskox is an Arctic animal that lives in northern Canada and Greenland. It has large horns on the top of its head which protect it from predators such as wolves or polar bears. Muskoxen are also very fast runners, so they can outrun most predators if need be!

The muskrat is a small rodent found throughout North America. They often live in wetlands or swamps and are known for building dams with mud and grasses to create ponds where they can swim around all day long without getting wet (or cold).

The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is a small snake species found in the Southern United States. It has a brown body with black stripes running down its back and a white underbelly. The Midget Faded Rattlesnake can be identified by its faded coloration and small size.

Miki is a Japanese word that means “a small amount.” Miki is Japanese short-legged dogs with large heads and eyes, making them look like they’re always surprised. They’re also very intelligent and affectionate, making them great pets for families with children.

When threatened or agitated, the milk snake gets its name from the milky-colored liquid it secretes. This nonpoisonous snake can grow up to five feet long, though most will only reach three feet. They live in wooded areas throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

This fish is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea and East Africa. It can grow up to five feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. Its flesh has a mild flavor and firm texture, making it popular in many cuisines throughout Asia and Africa.

This creature has been around since before dinosaurs roamed the Earth; fossils dating back 400 million years have been found with millipedes inside them! Millipedes are typically between one and two inches long (though some species grow much larger). Still, they possess an incredible ability: they can produce hydrogen cyanide as a defense mechanism against predators.

The Mini Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. They have many of the same characteristics as their larger counterparts, but they are generally more energetic and playful.

The Miniature Bull Terrier is a smaller version of the traditional English Bulldog. They are still characterized by their wrinkled faces and short muzzles, though they tend to be more active and energetic than their larger counterparts.

The Miniature Husky has been bred down from the Siberian Husky to be much smaller in size than its parent breed. It has the same characteristics as a full-sized Husky, but it tends to be more playful and affectionate than other breeds in its family tree.

The Miniature Pinscher is one of several breeds bred down from larger dogs like German Shepherds or Rottweilers to be much smaller in size than traditional versions of these breeds would normally be expected to reach maturity. They are known for being brilliant dogs who can be trained easily with patience and consistency on behalf of their owners.

Mink are small, carnivorous mammals that are closely related to weasels. They are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The mink’s fur is highly prized for its softness and warmth, and many people hunt them for their pelts.

The minke whale is a type of baleen whale that lives in cold waters worldwide. It can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to 8 tons. It has a dark gray body with white patches on its underside and a white band around its head. Minke whales feed on krill and small fish, using their baleen plates to strain these prey items from water passing through them as they swim through it at high speeds (upwards of 30 miles per hour).

The Mississippi kite is a large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is native to North America but can also be found throughout Central America and South America. It is named after the Mississippi River, where Europeans first discovered it. Its preferred habitat is open country with scattered trees, such as riverbanks and fields with scattered bushes or forest edges.

The moccasin snake is a venomous pitviper species native to the southeastern United States from Texas through Georgia and Florida. Its coloration varies from yellowish-green to brownish-black, with lighter coloration on its belly region.

The Mojave rattlesnake is a venomous reptile found in southwestern United States desert regions. Its venom contains a neurotoxin that can cause severe pain, swelling, and paralysis.

The Mola mola is not a fish but a type of ray. It lives in tropical oceans worldwide and has huge scales that help it float on top of the water without sinking. The fish can grow up to 10 feet long and is often referred to as the Ocean Sunfish.

A mole is a small burrowing mammal with pink or gray fur that lives underground. Moles have tiny eyes and ears covered by fur, so they rely on their noses to find food and avoid dangers like predators or traps set by humans who want to kill them for their fur.

The mole cricket is a small insect that lives in tunnels underground. It has large, powerful front legs and a long, thin body that it uses to dig. It eats plants and small insects.

The mole snake is a burrowing snake that lives in holes underground. It has small eyes and a thick body and is covered in scales. Like other burrowing animals like moles and gophers, the mole snake can excavate large amounts of dirt with its strong front legs.

Mollies are brightly colored fish with long fins to swim gracefully through the water. They are among the most popular aquarium fish because they come in so many different colors. Mollies eat algae and plankton, which they filter out of the water using their gills. They are also known to eat smaller fish if they get hungry enough!

Monarchs are one of the most recognizable butterflies in North America because their wings have orange and black stripes (which makes them look like monarchs). They eat only milkweed plants because they contain chemicals called cardenolides which make them poisonous to predators like birds.

Mongooses are mammals that live in Africa and Asia. They have long bodies, short legs, and small ears. The mongoose has a very strong sense of smell which helps it hunt for food. Mongooses also have sharp teeth, which they use to kill their prey.

A mongrel is a dog that has been bred from different breeds of dogs. Mongrels can be mixed with many kinds of dogs, which gives them the ability to adapt to different environments.

The monitor lizard is one of the giant lizards in the world. It can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh over 30 kilograms. The monitor lizard has sharp claws on its feet to catch prey such as insects and small animals like mice or rats.

Monkeys live in tropical rainforests worldwide, with two species living in Africa and South America being found nowhere else on Earth! Monkeys live in large groups called troops, usually consisting of about 20-50 individuals each; these groups can be made up of both males and females but will always include at least one male monkey called an alpha male.

The monkfish is a type of anglerfish. It has a long, slim body that can reach up to 2 m in length. This fish lives at depths of up to 1,000 m and catches its prey using its large mouth and sharp teeth.

The monocled cobra is found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It has a triangular head with distinctive eye markings, plus a yellowish or orange belly and a black body with light-colored bands on the back. It is thought that this snake may be venomous, but it’s not yet known how dangerous it is to humans.

Monte Iberia Sleuth

This rodent weighs around 1 kg (2 lb) when fully grown and displays unusual physical characteristics such as large ears and tail and an unusually short snout for its size, which resembles an anteater’s snout.

The moon jellyfish belongs to a group of jellyfish called Aurelia aurita, also known as common jellyfish or lunar jellies because they resembled the moon when seen from space! They’re found worldwide in oceans, both warm and cold.

Moorhens are members of the rail family and are known for their ability to fly. Their wings are made of almost entirely black feathers, which makes them difficult to see when they’re flying. They live in freshwater habitats like lakes and ponds.

Moose are large members of the deer family that live in northern forests and tundras. They have a thick coat of fur that keeps them warm during cold weather, and their antlers can weigh up to 90 pounds!

Moray eels are carnivores that live on coral reefs in tropical waters worldwide. They’re easily recognizable by their large jaws filled with razor-sharp teeth-which they use to catch prey such as fish and crustaceans!

Morkies are hybrid dogs bred from Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese dogs. They’re popular pets because they’re small but sturdy enough to be good watchdogs (they bark loudly at strangers), but also affectionate and friendly towards people they know well enough not to bite them!

Moscow Watchdogs are a breed of dog developed by Russian scientists after World War II to guard nuclear weapons sites within Moscow city limits against intruders.

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that live in wet areas. They have a long proboscis which they use to suck blood. Their bite can be painful and cause an itchy red bump.

Moths are winged insects that belong to the Lepidoptera order. Most moths are nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they feed during the night or at dawn and dusk.

Mountain bluebirds are small birds that live in high altitudes and prefer open areas like meadows and fields with brushy undergrowth. They eat seeds from plants like grasses, sedges, and rushes and berries from shrubs such as wild rose bushes or currants.

A mountain cur is a type of dog commonly used for hunting in mountainous regions where other breeds would tire easily due to their short legs and thick coats. They come in several different colors, including black/tan (also known as brindle), blue merle (black with white patches), red merle (red with white patches), sable (black with brown markings), and yellow.

This dog is a cross between a terrier and a dachshund, known for its aggressive attitude. It was originally bred to be a hunting dog, but its small size made it ideal as a companion dog instead.

The mountain gorilla is an endangered species of gorilla native to the Virungas, which are five volcanoes located on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. These gorillas are known for their gentle nature and ability to use tools for foraging food. They are one of the few primates who have been observed using tools in their natural environment-they will tear the bark off of trees to eat insects underneath them or use sticks as tools for digging up roots.

This cat lives in mountain ranges across North America and is a relative of both cougars and bobcats. Mountain lions have been known to kill humans, though they typically avoid people and are more likely to try to avoid them than attack them.

This bird is found all over North America, though it prefers open areas with tall grasses or shrubs where it can build its nest-which it does communally with other mourning doves in large colonies of up to 50 nests!

Mice are rodents that live everywhere, from deserts to forests-though some species prefer specific climates. They tend to travel by running rather than walking to move quickly through their environments.

The mud snake is a non-venomous snake native to the southeastern United States. The mud snake has an olive, brown, or black color with a yellowish belly. It is typically about 36 inches long.

The Mudi is a Hungarian herding dog that looks similar to an Airedale Terrier. They have prick ears and a medium-length coat that can be either solid white or white with patches of red or tan on their backs and legs.

The mudpuppy is a North American amphibian that lives in swamps and marshes across the southern United States. The mudpuppy has five toes on each foot, which helps it burrow into the mud when threatened by predators such as snakes and birds of prey like hawks and owls.

A mule is the offspring of a donkey stallion and horse mare, both of which are members of different species (the horse belongs to the genus Equus while donkeys belong to the genus Asinus). Mules are sterile but can reproduce through artificial insemination if they mate with another mule or donkey.

Mulga is the name of a minor, venomous snake that lives in Australia. It’s also the name of one of my favorite snakes because it’s so cute! And cuddly. And I like to snuggle with them.

The mussurana is a non-venomous snake that originates from South America. It has a long body and can grow up to 7 feet (2 meters) in length. The mussurana has a flat, triangular head and small, dark eyes. It can be found near water in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

The myna bird is native to India but has been introduced to many other parts, including Australia, Indonesia and Hawaii. The myna bird is known for its ability to learn human speech and imitate sounds such as doorbells or truck engines.

Mojarra is a freshwater fish found in the Amazon River basin. It is a popular food fish, and it is also used as bait for other species. Mojarra thrives in brackish waters with low oxygen levels; however, their populations often decline when introduced into areas with higher oxygen levels.

• Animals that start with A
• Animals that start with B
• Animals that start with C
• Animals that start with D
• Animals that start with E
• Animals that start with F
• Animals that start with G
• Animals that start with H
• Animals that start with I
• Animals that start with J
• Animals that start with K
• Animals that start with L
• Animals that start with N
• Animals that start with O
• Animals that start with P
• Animals that start with Q
• Animals that start with R
• Animals that start with S
• Animals that start with T
• Animals that start with U
• Animals that start with V
• Animals that start with W
• Animals that start with X
• Animals that start with Y
• Animals that start with Z

About Eddie Chevrel

Eddie Chevrel is an animal journalist and the founder of ThePetSavvy. He's very passionate about exotic pets and spends most of his free time doing research, meeting, and interviewing people working with animals. Learn more about The Pet Savvy's Editorial Process .

More from The Pet Savvy

108 Animals That Start With G

64 Animals That Start With L

84 Animals That Start With H

33 Animals That Start With O

180 Animals That Start With B (With Pictures and Videos)

45 Animals That Start With K

45 Animals That Start With J

17 Animals That Start With U

49 Animals That Start With I

144 Animals That Start With C (With Pictures and Videos)

20 Best Beginner Reptiles and Amphibians

78 Animals That Start With T

Ride & Dare Motorcycle Club

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Ride & Dare Motorcycle Club - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)