Monarch Butterfly News: August 22, 2013
Please Report
Your Sightings!
Report Your Sightings
Fall migration is underway! With low numbers this breeding season, how many monarchs will be migrating to Mexico? Image of the Week
Monarch Butterfly
Time to Go
Jared Buker
Fall Migration: Report Your Sightings
When you see a monarch—nectaring, flying, roosting, or breeding—we want to know about it.

What to Report to Track Fall Migration
News: Where Are the Monarchs?
Monarchs have been scarce this summer across their breeding range. Many people didn't see their first until July or even August.

"Saw my first and only monarch on August 15th. In previous years our Asclepias plants have been completely defoliated by August. This year they haven't been touched." Mercersburg, PA

"First monarch on August 12th. I have watched monarchs for thirty years and usually see them by the beginning of July. No eggs or larva found." Eastham, MA

Why low numbers?
Last winter in Mexico the population hit a record low. There were only 60 million monarchs, 80% below the 350 million monarch average. Drought and excessive heat during summer 2012 resulted in low reproduction last year. The population does not appear to have recovered during this year's breeding season.

Looking Ahead
As the breeding season ends in the north, we are anxious to see what observers will report this fall:

  • How many monarchs will people see?
  • How large will the overnight roosts be?
  • Will peak sightings match those in past years?

Early this winter, after the monarchs have arrived in Mexico, the population will be measured again. The annual measurement will reveal this year's breeding success. Please help tell the story by reporting your observations.

Monarch Butterfly in Texas
Record Low Last Winter
 
Monarch Butterfly eggs in New Jersey
Breeding Season Ends
 
Monarch Butterfly

Telling the Story
Christina Westley 

The Migration: Map and Journal

Watch for monarchs that are flying in directional flight, resting at overnight roosts, or refueling at flowers in fields, gardens, or roadsides.

  • Please report your sightings.

 

Seeing Monarchs?
Report Weekly!
When you see a monarch, we want to know about it.
Monarch Butterfly Migration Map: All Sightings, Fall 2012 Monarch Butterfly Migration Map: Peak Migration, Fall 2012 Worksheet: Journal Page
Journal
All Sightings
(map | animation | sightings)
Peak Migration
(map | animation | sightings)
Next Update August 29, 2013