Here is a breakdown of the different regions where you might find monarch butterflies:
1. North America:
- Eastern North America: Monarch butterflies are common in the eastern United States and Canada, particularly in areas east of the Rocky Mountains. Their range extends from the southern parts of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Western North America: Monarchs can be found in some western states of the United States and parts of Canada, but their presence is generally less abundant compared to the eastern regions.
2. Mexico:
- Monarch butterflies undertake an epic migration known as the "Monarch Butterfly Migration." During the cooler months, millions of monarchs travel from the United States and Canada to overwinter in central Mexico. They congregate in specific areas of the states of Michoacán and Mexico State.
3. South America:
- While the main distribution of monarchs is in North America, there have been occasional sightings of monarch butterflies in South American countries such as Colombia and Venezuela. However, their presence in South America is not as significant as in North America.
It's important to note that monarch butterfly populations can vary over time, and their distribution can be influenced by various factors such as habitat changes, climate patterns, and migration routes.