The Ministry of Tourism of Michoacán (Sectur) confirmed on November 12 the arrival of the first monarch butterfly equipped with a satellite transmitter to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, marking a historical fact in the study of its migration.
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The specimen, identified as MW026is part of the Monarch Collaboration Projectan international initiative that uses advanced technology to follow the journey of these emblematic travelers in real time.
Butterfly Route MW026
- 27 of September – Lawrence, Cause (EU)
Released by Monarch Watch researchers with a 60 milligram solar microtransmitter. - Oklahoma and Texas
It crosses both states heading south, sending its first signal from Tamaulipas, Mexico, near the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve. - Río Verde, San Luis Potosí → Sierra Gorda, Guanajuato
It continues its journey through mountainous landscapes and conservation areas. - November 7 – Querétaro (Juriquilla and San José el Alto)
Detected again hundreds of kilometers from its starting point. - November 8 – Temascalcingo, State of Mexico
You approach the heart of your destiny. - November 9 – Ocampo, Michoacán
Arrive at the El Rosario Sanctuary, within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
A historic achievement
The head of Sectur, Roberto Monroy García, highlighted that This is the first successful record of a monarch with a transmitter completing its journey to Mexico, an unprecedented scientific advance.
The project, led by David La Puma of Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT), seeks to improve trinational conservation strategies between Canada, the United States and Mexico, protecting the route of more than 4,000 kilometers that millions of these butterflies travel every year to hibernate in the Michoacan fir forests.
Key dates of your arrival and 2025-2026 season in Michoacán
Every year, millions of monarch butterflies undertake their journey from the north of the continent to take refuge from the cold and hibernate in the fir forests of Michoacán and the State of Mexico.
The 2025-2026 migration phenomenon is already underway and It will be at its most spectacular between December and Januarywhen the highest concentration of specimens is expected in the sanctuaries.
The massive arrival was recorded from November 8 to 20while the sanctuaries officially opened to the public on November 21, 2025.
The cycle will end at mid-February and during the first half of Marchwhen the butterflies begin their return northward, thus completing one of nature’s most amazing journeys.
EE