What Factors Affect the Migration of Butterflies?

Butterflies are temperamental insects and require a specific set of living conditions to feed and procreate successfully. Migration occurs at three levels: localized dispersal, regional expansion and mass migration. The most well-known species that migrates is the monarch butterfly; however, the painted lady, common buckeye and red admiral also migrate during their life cycle.

  1. Climate

    • Most species of butterflies prefer specific climate conditions for survival and procreation. Temperature, humidity and altitude are the main elements that effect the migration of all species of migratory butterflies. Butterflies are cold-blooded and their body temperature is regulated by the climate and temperature they live in. Climate conditions must be warm enough to maintain the temperature of the butterfly's body or it develops problems during the mating process. Unsuitable climate conditions often force premature butterfly migration.

    Food

    • Migrating butterflies share a particularly strong relationship with plants, which they rely on for food and shelter. Most butterflies thrive during the spring and summer months when plants and flowers are budding and there is an abundance of food sources for the pupa and butterflies. As the seasons change and the food sources start to deteriorate, butterflies begin to migrate to newer areas with more stable food sources.

    Reproduction

    • Reproduction has an important effect on the migratory routines of butterflies. As they migrate, butterflies often breed in areas they prefer. Typically, these areas are close to the location of the mature butterfly's emergence site. Established breeding sites determine the routine of migratory butterflies. When an old breeding site is destroyed, migratory butterflies alter their migration course in search of a new breeding area.

    Sun

    • The sun has an important role during migration, acting as a compass for migrating butterflies. The sun emits polarized light, which is used by migrating butterflies to calculate the direction of the sun. Polarized light is invisible to the human eye; however, it is an essential directional tool used by butterflies when determining the proper migratory direction. They can even detect the presence of polarized light in overcast conditions.