Monarch Butterflies
Monarch Migration Update: April 24, 2009
Please Report
Your Sightings!

Today's Report Includes:

 

A Butterfly is Born >>
The Migration: Highlights, Maps, and Questions

Monarchs
(map/sightings)
Milkweed
(map/sightings)


Journal Page
Which States are Most Important to Monarchs in Early Spring?
Migration Highlights

Eighteen U.S. States Now Have Monarchs from Mexico
The migration has now moved into 18 states, with Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, and even Virginia and Pennsyvania joining the list this week. At latitude 40 North, the Pennsylvania sighting is the northernmost to date:

"I'm just as shocked as you probably are! Very warm sunny day, I saw a very tattered monarch (couldn't tell if it was male or female), flying across a large grassy field in a park just north of West Chester, PA. It was heading north, skimming above the ground, a few inches to a foot or two...the kind of behavior that would suggest a female looking for milkweed. But the milkweed isn't even up yet (not that I've seen, anyway, and I've been checking a few known, established patches)."

How Far Do the Monarchs From Mexico Fly?
Most likely, the migration map now shows how far the monarchs from Mexico will migrate this spring. Most monarchs of the generation from Mexico do not migrate beyond latitude 35N. We must wait for their offspring — the next generation — to join the migration in place of their parents. Watch for a lull in the number of sightings during the next few weeks. When and where do you predict people will see the first new adult monarchs with their fresh, colorful wings?


Photo: Diane Kixmiller
Dwarfed by a wiffle golf ball, tiny milkweed shoots emerged last week in Kansas City. Will a monarch find this milkweed?

Journal: Celebrating Earth Day, Monarchs, and Renewal >>

We celebrate our Earth's power of renewal on Earth Day. For monarchs, the need for renewal is especially clear at this time of year. The number of adult monarch butterflies is at its lowest; at no other time of year are there so few butterflies. Most of the monarchs from Mexico have now reached the end of their lives and we are waiting for a new generation. Exactly where on Earth is habitat most important for monarchs in the early spring? Look at the pieces of this state-by-state pie chart of monarch sightings to see.

Slideshow: How Does the Monarch Get Out of the Chrysalis? >>

A monarch seems to comes out of its chrysalis the way a flower bursts from a bud. This everyday miracle will take place millions and millions of times in the coming months, perhaps in your own backyard. But how does the monarch get out? Use your powers of observation to explore that question with this series of time-lapse photos.

Slideshow >>
Journal: How Can a Camera Help a Scientist Learn?
Some things happen too quickly for our eyes to see, too slowly for our senses to catch — or take too long for our patience to endure. A camera can freeze a moment, magnify a detail, turn hours into seconds, and store memories forever. Because observation is the first step in the scientific process, a camera can be an important tool for a scientist. You'll appreciate why when you try this:
  • Describe your favorite image in today's slideshow and then try to draw it. Exchange your work with a friend and see if you can find one another's favorite image. In your journal, explain what made your drawing and description difficult to do. How does a camera help a scientist make good observations?
Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts! >>

Will you take a few minutes to complete our Year-end Evaluation?

With your help, we can we document Journey North's reach, impact and value. We need comments like yours to keep the program going and growing.

Thank you! >>

Year-end Evaluation
Links: Monarch Butterfly Resources to Explore
More Monarch Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 30, 2009.

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