Butterflies of Mexico
Butterflies of Mexico: overview
Mexico ranks among the world's leaders in Lepidoptera biodiversity: more than 2,000 species of day-flying butterflies are recorded here. The country lies at the junction of the Nearctic and Neotropical zoogeographic regions, producing a unique mix of temperate and tropical species.
Monarch wintering — the main natural wonder
The mountains of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in Michoacán state are the only wintering site for the eastern monarch population. Each November, hundreds of millions of butterflies arrive from North America. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tropical regions
Chiapas and Oaxaca
Giant morphos (Morpho spp.), colorful heliconians, and hundreds of other neotropical species inhabit tropical forests of southern states. Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico's richest entomological areas.
Yucatán
Peninsular tropical forests and coastal mangroves create special conditions for Caribbean species. Species characteristic of Cuba and other Caribbean islands occur here.
Mountain regions
On alpine meadows of the Sierra Madre Occidental and Oriental, temperate species fly: parnassians, fritillaries, and several blues characteristic of North America.