Why You Should Keep an Eye Out for This Colorful Butterfly in Maine This Summer

Butterflies are a symbol of summer and beauty. And when you think of butterflies, often your mind goes straight to the majestic monarch. They are the most beautiful butterflies and they will be flying straight through the state of Maine as they do each summer.

They wow us all with their vibrant orange-and-black colors. But when can you spot them?

Well you can witness this beauty from June to August.

These incredible pollinators can be seen throughout Maine’s gardens, meadows, and near the water as they stop to refuel and munch on the native wildflowers.

They eat milkweed and goldenrod, as per the Maine Audubon. 

But here’s the thing, their beauty is not the only reason you’ll want to keep an eye out.

Monarchs are on this really cool migratory journey. It’s so epic, that their travels will put most road trips to shame.

Get this, these guys travel thousands of miles from Canada to central Mexico every single year, and Maine plays super important role in their summertime pit stop.

And without stopping in Maine, their journey would be in serious trouble.  

How Your Maine Backyard Can Help Save the Monarchs

Without healthy habitats here, their journey is in serious trouble. According to Maine Audubon, the butterfly population of Monarchs have been in the decline due to loss of habitats, pesticides, and climate shifts.

Read More: Did You Know Maine Has an Official State Insect? 

But here’s the good news, your backyard can help them.

If you plant native milkweed that will give them exactly what they need to survive.