TEXAS – The population of monarch butterflies that pass through Texas as they migrate North has dramatically increased this year.
After several years of a decline, the monarch population is expected to rise 144 percent, according to the Texas Monarch Watch. The population numbers are the highest since 2006.
The reason for the increase is plenty of milkweed supply in Central Texas. Monarchs eat milkweeds as they head north.
For those who want to see some Monarchs in their backyard, they might way to consider planting some milkweed.
Monarch facts: Texas Parks and Wildlife
- Monarchs travel through Texas in fall and spring
- They take two flight paths
- 300-mile wide path stretches from Wichita Falls to Eagle Pass
- Second flight path is along Texas coast
- By October most have made it to Mexico
- Monarchs eat milkweed
- Over 35 different milkweed species in Texas
San Antonio was dubbed the Monarch Champion City in 2018 by the National Wildlife Federation. In 2015, San Antonio was the first city nationwide to commit to the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, and works to create a better habitat for the butterflies.
Many acres of native plants and wildflowers have been planted within city parks and along the Mission Reach. Monarch butterflies migrate through San Antonio twice a year.