Eastern Monarch Spring 2023 Report #4

Published: 04/26/2023

Overlapping Generations

With May right around the corner, migratory activity will accelerate over the coming weeks. Journey North volunteers are reporting monarchs with old and faded wings as well as first generation, fresh-winged monarchs.

Nora in Alexandria, VA: “Faded coloring. In a field with common milkweed.” (04/20/2023)

Mary in Hesston, KS: “Went to the plant sale at Dyck Arboretum and saw two weathered monarchs nectaring on the lilac bush.” (04/20/2023)

The leading edge of migration is hovering around latitude 41°- 42°N, a bit ahead of where monarchs were at this same time last year.

Jill in Brick Township, NJ: “Saw my first Monarch… It landed on multiple milkweed plants that are just starting to emerge in my garden… I’ve never seen one this early before!” (04/20/2023)

Karin in Fishers, IN: “She was a big female, laying eggs on both A. incarnata and A. tuberosa… How exciting!” (04/20/2023)

Milkweed

Milkweed emergence is still ahead of monarch migration.

Brenda in Traverse City, MI: “So tiny, and SO early! Found in a protected garden area that gets full morning sun. No sign of milkweed yet in any of my south-facing areas.” (04/23/2023)

Denise in Antioch, IL: “Been checking every day! Today was the first day it emerges!” (04/25/2023)

Eggs and Larvae

As the leading edge of monarch migration moves north, reports of eggs and larvae aren’t too far behind.

Steven in Waynesville, MO: “She stayed around my milkweed patch of about 35 stems for 2 and 1/2 hours. She left now and then for a trip around the yard and the neighbor’s yard for 10 minutes but then came back” (04/24/2023)

Cindy in Chattanooga, TN: “I observed about 7 larvae on common milkweed each on a different plant.” (04/20/2023)

Kim in Round Rock, TX: “Saw a couple monarchs laying eggs a few days to a week ago. Spotted some eggs the last couple days. Spotted this newborn caterpillar on my Antelopehorn milkweed today! Its about 2.5-3 mm long. Happy day!!” (04/20/2023)