Monarch Butterflies
Migration Update: May 11, 2007
Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Today's Report Includes:

Into the Chrysalis >>
The Migration: Maps, Questions and Highlights

Distribution Map >>

Real-time Map >>

Map Questions >>

  • Map: Animated Map (Week-by-week slideshow) >>
  • Map: Printer Friendly Version >>
  • Sightings: Recent Sightings (for Classroom Mapping) >>
  • Sightings: All Sightings >>

Highlights: The Monarchs Have Crossed into Canada!
The news came from Ontario on Tuesday. The first monarch has been spotted in Canada! Hooray!

"We have been watching our symbolic butterflies land all over North America and are so excited to now see that the real butterflies have returned to Canada," wrote Ms. Katherine Hunter from Mississauga, ON.

Monarchs appeared in schoolyards and butterfly gardens this week to the delight of those watching and waiting:

"At 11:10 am the principal of our school saw the first Monarch Butterfly to return to our school building's gardens," wrote Mrs. Ference from Byram Lakes School in Stanhope, NJ. "It flew past him right outside the front door of the school."

And from Burlington, Iowa: "My first Monarch of the year came floating over the students at recess heading north!" exclaimed Ms. Sommerfelt from Notre Dame Elementary on May 8.

The big surge in numbers we have been predicting should occur any day. Please report what you see!

  • Meanwhile, add 4 new U.S. states to your Prediction Chart and our very first Canadian province!
Slideshow: Into the Chrysalis

It only takes a few minutes for a caterpillar to turn into a chrysalis. This week, watch the metamorphosis in slow motion.

What will happen to the caterpillar's legs, eyes, mouth, and head? And where will the beautiful gold spots of the chrysalis come from?

Take a look!

Slideshow >>
Journal: When Did One Become the Other?

It can be a little unsettling to watch metamorphosis. An animal changes from one thing into another right before your eyes!

  • In your mind, at what point did the caterpillar become the chrysalis?

Describe what you saw in detail. Was there a time when the monarch seemed to be neither caterpillar or chrysalis? Try to convey the feelings you had while watching.

Other News: Monarchs on the Today Show: May 16th

Tune In: Wednesday, May 16th
On Wednesday, May 16th the NBC "Today Show" will air a short segment on the monarch butterfly in Mexico. Included will be an on-site interview of Professor Sonia Altizer of the University of Georgia, and possibly a short segment from Lincoln Brower, Mia Magruder and Linda Fink's video showing the monarch colonies from a small aircraft.
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.

Thank you! >>

Year-end Evaluation >>
Links: Monarch Butterfly Resources to Explore
  • Observation: Monarch Mystery Photo >>
  • Audio & Video Clip: From Caterpillar to Chrysalis: Dr. Brower Describes >>
  • Slideshow: The Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly (English) >>
  • Slideshow: El Ciclo de Vida de la Mariposa Monarca (Spanish) >>
  • Predicting: Predicting the Route of the Spring Migration >>
  • Mapping—Key Lessons & Resources: Making, Reading and Interpreting Maps >>
  • Monarchs for Kids (booklets, photos, videos) >>
More Monarch Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on May 18, 2007.

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