Eastern Monarch Spring 2023 Report #6

Published: 05/17/2023

Migrating Monarchs

The leading edge of monarch migration is now hovering between latitude 43-47°N. The Upper Midwest remains a hotspot of activity, with many reports of first sighted adult monarchs coming from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Reports are beginning to come in from Southern Canada as well. Along the East Coast, migration is still moving slower in terms of both northern progress and number of reports. In New England, monarchs are just beginning to trickle into Massachusetts. How far north will monarchs be next week?

Phyllis in Mokena, IL: “Saw my first monarch of the season this afternoon. It was a female and she was dumping eggs on my milkweeds. Some of the common milkweed is only a couple inches tall and she laid more than one egg on many of them.” (05/11/2023)

Jennifer in Omaha, NE: “Finally saw our first monarch of the season! I didn’t get a photo as I didn’t see it until it was flying into the trees in my neighbors’ yard. Sighting was around 4pm - partly cloudy skies, slight breeze and 78 degrees. Hoping I see more - my butterfly garden is ready with nectar plants and milkweed.” (05/13/2023)

Pamela in Lothian, MD: “My friend got this photo. We came back later and we saw two. One was bright and the other very dull. They were flying around the meadow and landing occasionally. We also saw milkweed and Monarch caterpillars.” (05/14/2023)

Nansi in Madison, WI: “Seen in the Native Plant Garden” (05/15/2023)

Delores in Hinsdale, IL: “First adult monarch sighted. It was laying eggs on young common milkweed plants.” (05/16/2023)

Kim in Grinnell, IA: “First sighting of a monarch in my backyard. He was fluttering his way out of the yard as I was heading toward the house, Don’t think he stopped.” (05/17/2023)

Kathy in Clarksville, MD: “One faded female monarch spotted, left eggs on the common milkweed. 3:20 pm sunny and warm, 69 degrees” (05/17/2023)

Milkweed, Eggs, and Larvae

Milkweed emergence remains ahead of monarch migration, with reports as far north as latitude 50°N in Canada.

Marc in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC: “First sprouting of my milkweed seen.” (05/12/2023)

Amanda in Dilworth, MN: “I spotted new shoots coming up around my swamp milkweed plants.” (05/14/2023)

Erna in Lyndhurst, OH: “There were several warm days in Cleveland and Accacia Reservation 17-20 C at noon. Milkweed is growing very fast. I saw the sprouts 5 inch high to-day.” (05/15/2023)

Dondina in Minnedosa, MB: “Was surprised to my swamp milkweed so tall! I looked at my milkweed patches a couple days ago and did not see anything. Went to take a peek today after two hot days and was excited to see this… We hope this summer will be a successful year for monarchs. Doing our part by having plenty of milkweed and lots of pollinator friendly flower options.” (05/15/2023)

As monarchs move north, they lay eggs along the way. With adult monarch sightings on the rise along the East Coast and in the Midwest, reports of eggs are picking up as well.

Kimberly in Brigantine, NJ: “The first monarch eggs of my 2023 season were found today. I found at least 10 eggs on different asclepias syriaca plants throughout the garden. I did not see mama butterfly. This is earlier than last years first eggs on 5/21/2022.” (05/15/2023)

Mary in Milwaukee, WI: “Although it looked like she was laying many eggs, I only found 3.” (05/16/2023)