08/17/2026
🦋 Late August is a BIG time for monarchs! 🌼
As summer starts to wind down, monarchs are entering one of the most incredible parts of their life cycle: migration season.
Here are a few things to look for right now:
🌻 Monarchs are fueling up. Late-summer nectar plants like goldenrod, asters, blazing star and Joe-Pye w**d provide important food as monarchs build fat reserves for their journey south.
🦋 The final generation is emerging. Unlike earlier generations that live just a few weeks, these monarchs can live for months! Long enough to migrate thousands of miles and spend the winter in Mexico.
🌿 Milkw**d still matters. Depending on your location and weather, you may still find monarch eggs and caterpillars on milkw**d in late August.
☀️ Migration is getting closer. Shorter days and cooler nights help signal to monarchs that it’s time to shift from reproduction toward their incredible journey south.
👀 Keep watching! Warm, sunny days are a great time to check your garden, fields and late-blooming flowers for monarchs.
The monarch season isn’t over—it’s entering a whole new chapter. 💚
What’s your monarch spotting status this late August? 🦋👇
