Monarch Butterflies in North Dakota: Identification Guide and Best Places to Start

Monarchs are most frequently found in areas where native milkweed grows undisturbed. Look along the Missouri River and its various tributaries, in the Sheyenne National Grassland, and within prairie restoration sites that feature butterfly weed or common milkweed. Backyards with a variety of native flowers also act as important stopovers during the migration. Sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people have recently reported activity. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area before settling in for observation.

Identifying monarch caterpillars is a great way to confirm a breeding population in your area. Look for their distinctive yellow, black, and white stripes running the length of their bodies. They have two pairs of black filaments, one at the head and one at the tail. You will almost always find them on the undersides of milkweed leaves, where they feed voraciously. As they grow, they can reach up to two inches in length before they seek out a sturdy branch or stem to form their jade green chrysalis. Checking milkweed patches regularly from late June through August is the best way to find them.

The peak monarch migration through North Dakota typically runs from mid August through mid September. Warm, sunny days immediately following a rain are ideal for viewing, as the butterflies are active and feeding. Morning hours, once the dew has dried from their wings, are often the best for spotting them. Calm winds are helpful, as they make it easier to see the butterflies nectaring on goldenrod and sunflowers. Most misses happen when people expect nonstop activity. Build around these weather patterns and stay longer at one promising spot instead of jumping to a new area too early.

Monarchs are recognized by their bright orange wings with thick black veins and a wide black border dotted with white spots. The most common lookalike in North Dakota is the viceroy butterfly, which is smaller and features a horizontal black line crossing the veins of its hindwing. Queen butterflies are another similar species but are a darker, more mahogany orange and lack the prominent black veining. Always check the underside of the wings, which should show a paler orange tint without the heavy veining found on the upper surface. See our state animal guide for more identification tips.

Adult monarchs rely on nectar from a variety of flowers including goldenrod, aster, blazing star, and alfalfa. These plants provide the energy needed for their long flight south. Females lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants, with common milkweed and showy milkweed being the most popular choices in North Dakota. Look for the tiny, cream colored eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves from late May through August. Protecting these host plants is the most effective way to support the local monarch population.