Leelanau County newly born Monarch Butterfly - Ask Extension
I live in almost an acre of land south of Suttons Bay in Leelanau County. For the past several years, my husband and I have been working to give this...
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Leelanau County newly born Monarch Butterfly #919537
Asked October 08, 2025, 6:09 PM EDT
I live in almost an acre of land south of Suttons Bay in Leelanau County. For the past several years, my husband and I have been working to give this land back to the pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
On Oct. 5th, a Monarch emerged from its chrysalis. We were delighted! But then it didn't fly off. So last night, 10/7, I brought it inside, with native flowers, in a clear plastic box. The temps last night got down into the 40s.
Today the Monarch is still alive, it has moved several times on the flowers.
Temps today were in the 50s, tonight will be in the 40s, and tomorrow's high should be 61, with a warming trend until next Wed.
I am wondering if this Butterfly stands a chance for survival, much less migration, given the time of year and all. I wonder if I should put it back outside tomorrow.
Any help you might give us would be most appreciated.
Many many thanks.
Laura
Leelanau County Michigan
Expert Response
This is a little late in the year for them, but yes they can still survive for the migration south. We still have adult monarch butterflies moving through Leelanau County as they head south from locations in the UP. Cold temperatures slow them down, but they do not kill them unless it gets well below freezing. I would recommend that you release the butterfly and let it fend for itself.