Butterfly Chat with OKC Zoo Conservation Scientist Emily Geest | Monarch Migration

With the Monarch Butterfly population dwindling, conservation efforts stretching from Mexico, into the central and northeast U.S. and all the way into Canada, are forming partnerships as well as offering education and resources to anyone curious on how to help Monarchs make it through their seasonal journey.

In our Oklahoma's Own Original, Reporter Colby Thelen had the pleasure of speaking with the fine folks at the Oklahoma City Zoo and their retreat into Mexico, deep into Monarch Butterfly country.

On his adventures, Colby got a chance to speak with Conservation Scientist for the OKC ZOO and Botanical Garden Emily Geest about her efforts and general tips for people who want to attract and help Monarch Butterflies continue to survive and thrive.

Watch the full interview or follow along for the biggest takeaways.

Monarch Biology

1. Monarchs can fly high enough to be detected on radar, at heights similar to helicopters and airplanes.
2. A typical monarch weighs about 0.5 grams (like a paperclip) and is about the length of a playing card.
3. Daily travel can reach up to 100 miles; during long migrations they can travel thousands of miles from Canada to Mexico.
4. Fall migrant monarchs develop more aerodynamic wings for long-distance travel.

Generations and Monarch Migration

1. Monarch migration involves 4–5 generations per year.
2. Typically four generations complete the northern and southern migration cycle, with a possible “bonus” fifth generation occurring in warmer states like Oklahoma.
3. Later generations are hormonally different, triggered by changes in light and temperature, leading to the overwintering form capable of migrating thousands of miles.

Predators and Threats

1. Eggs and caterpillars are eaten by spiders, assassin bugs, and wasps.
2. Adults are distasteful to most birds due to toxins from milkweed, though some birds and mice in Mexico can eat them.
3. Main killers include habitat loss, climate change, pesticide usage, parasites, and rare extreme events (like winter ice storms in Mexico).
4. Habitat fragmentation and widespread pesticide use are major human-driven threats contributing to population decline.

Milkweed and Host Plants

1. Monarchs rely on milkweed for egg-laying and nectar plants for adult survival.
2. Oklahoma has about 25 species of milkweed with different bloom times, toxins, and appearances.
3. The most common wild species is green antelopehorn (Asclepias viridis).
4. The most popular garden species is butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), whose flower color varies by region due to soil and climate.
5. Monarchs choose milkweed instinctively by sensing its chemical toxins and verifying with their feet before laying eggs.

Conservation Tips

1. People can help monarchs by reducing pesticide use and planting native nectar plants and milkweeds, even in small spaces like balconies.
2. Small contributions from many people can combine into meaningful conservation impact.