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.

Monarch butterfly on purple lilac bush — Caitlynn in North Bay, Ontario was excited to see this monarch on a lilac bush on May 22, writing, "Only one to speak of so far but I think more are coming! One of the earliest I've ever spotted!"

Please continue to report your sightings to Journey North, and don’t forget about photos! Some researchers rely on these photos to accept reports, so your photos can make a huge difference. Click here to report your monarch and milkweed sightings.

Eastern monarch population

Our northernmost larva reports came from Mankato and Apple Valley, Minnesota, with photos of tiny little caterpillars just getting started on the journey of life. Plus, volunteers in northern locations are beginning to see their first adults of the season.

Western monarch population

As Gail Morris writes, "We wait. Monarchs who overwintered and left on their spring migration have reached the end of their lives. The next generation nestled in their chrysalises are just about to eclose. Monarch sightings are typically low but we expect them to increase soon, as the first generation’s bright colored wings appear across the Western landscapes. Hope is in the air as we wait for them to appear."