Status of Danaus plexippus Population in Arizona

We report results of a ten year study to understand the distribution, breeding and migration of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in Arizona. We observed breeding and migratory monarch populations throughout the state and small over-wintering aggregations in some locations. Migration occurred to known migration destinations in both California and Mexico. We found that the destination is not random. Wind significantly affects whether migrating monarchs are recovered. This study provides new insights into the breeding, overwintering and migratory strategies of Arizona monarchs.