Some participants are reporting monarchs earlier along in the process than usual at this time of year. Michele in Erie, Pennsylvania photographed a caterpillar on May 23, writing, “Very early sighting for me. I usually do not get monarch cats until July. It has been an unseasonably warm spring. Not sure if that has anything to do with it.”
Jon in Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania, farther east, wrote on June 1, “This is the earliest I’ve ever seen caterpillars on my milkweed! Normally, I see them in August.”
'Earliest we've ever seen them:' Journey North observers reporting early caterpillars
In this update, we get a western update from Gail Morris emerging butterflies in the East and a report from a researcher who is using Journey North data.
In this update, we get a western update from Gail Morris emerging butterflies in the East and a report from a researcher who is using Journey North data.
Egg, larva sightings excite volunteers
As monarch sightings are increasing, so are reports of eggs and caterpillars. Monarch caterpillars have been reported as far north as Minnesota, while Maine received its first adult sighting of the year. Out west, we received our first report from Utah this year.
As monarch sightings are increasing, so are reports of eggs and caterpillars. Monarch caterpillars have been reported as far north as Minnesota, while Maine received its first adult sighting of the year. Out west, we received our first report from Utah this year.
