Monarch Butterfly Migration Update

Monarch Butterflies

Monarch Migration Update: May 23, 2013

Please Report
Your Sightings!

Clear northward movement at last! Also this week, look closely look at the caterpillar that becomes the monarch butterfly.

This Week's Update Includes:

News: A Week of Firsts
Video Clips: Eating Milkweed
The Migration: Maps and Journal
Evaluation: Please share your thoughts!

Image of the Week

Close-up
Photo: Elizabeth Howard

News: A Week of Firsts

First for Seven States
Eight states had first-for-the-state sightings during the past week! People from Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania all reported monarchs for the first time.

First Jump Northward
Look at the week's change on the map. This is the first time we've seen a clear advance into the north. Monarchs have now reached latitude 42˚N across the north.

First Time So Few
Although the migration advanced clearly last week, only 16 sightings were reported. Sightings have been fewer this May than ever before. Here is a 5-year comparison:

# Sightings Reported in May as of May 23 each year
2013	56
2012	458
2011	168
2010	232
2009	126

First of Four Generations
The size of this spring's first generation appears to be small. We simply aren't seeing numbers this May that suggests high reproductive success in the south. However, during the breeding season ahead, monarchs will produce at least three more generations. The final generation will migrate to Mexico, and those butterflies will comprise next winter's population. Let's hope for optimal habitat conditions in the breeding season ahead.

One of the Last
Image: Gregg Lee

First of Four

Video Clips: Eating Milkweed

Observation is the first step in the scientific process. Video clips provide an opportunity for students to make authentic scientific observations. With video, you can replay an event, see it in fast or slow motion, freeze action, make time-lapse observations, document changes, and focus on details.

Viewing Guide for Video Clips


Caterpillar Feast	Close-up Chewing	Slow-motion Munching

The Migration: Maps and Journal

Please report your monarch and milkweed sightings.
		Journal
Monarchs (map \| animation \| sightings)	Milkweed (map \| animation \| sightings)

Evaluation: Please share your thoughts!

Please take a few minutes to complete our Annual Evaluation. With your help, we can document Journey North's reach, impact and value. Thank you!

Please Help: Journey North Annual Evaluation

Next update May 30, 2013