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Monarchs: The Traveling Butterfly
Learn how to identify the butterfly that travels from the U.S. to Mexico every year: the monarch!
National Wildlife Federation teams up with LG Electronics (LG) for an ongoing campaign to highlight vulnerable and endangered species. This February, LG’s Time Square display spotlights the monarch butterfly. The video brings to life our partnership with NBC’s The Americas, an epic 10-part nature documentary narrated by Tom Hanks, which showcases the majestic wildlife and wild places throughout North and South America, including at-risk and endangered species like the monarch butterfly.
In December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The rapid decline of this once-widespread species is driven by climate change, ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation, and the unnecessary, excessive use of pesticides.
Experience the monarch butterfly in stunning 3D anamorphic display on LG’s Times Square billboard in New York City, available through March.
And watch The Americas, premiering Sunday, Feb. 23 at 7/6c on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock.
Get to Know the Monarch
Have you ever spotted a beautiful orange butterfly fluttering by and wondered if it’s the iconic monarch butterfly? You’re not alone! This butterfly is one of the most recognizable and beloved insects in North America, but it has a few look-alikes that can easily fool even the most keen-eyed among us.
The ability to correctly identify the monarch butterfly is more than just a fun skill for nature lovers—it’s crucial for conservation efforts. Monarchs are native pollinators and play a vital role in our North American ecosystem, but their populations are in staggering decline across the continent. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide and identification quiz to help you distinguish the monarch butterfly from its similar-looking cousins.
And we’re not just talking about the adult butterflies; we’ll also delve into differences among caterpillars and the plants they call home. So, whether you’re a budding naturalist or a seasoned butterfly enthusiast, read on to become a true Monarch Maven!
Test Your Knowledge In the Quiz Below and Watch The Americas here!
