Eastern Monarch Spring 2023 Report #8

Published: 05/31/2023

Migrating Monarchs

The leading edge of migration is hovering between latitude 46–49°N. Southern Ontario and Manitoba are hotspots of activity. At this same time last year, there were no reports yet from Manitoba.

Explore our Monarch Adult (FIRST sighted) map to compare migration year-to-year.

Cindy in Kenora, ON: “First sighting close to Dryden. And she was laying eggs” (05/27/2023)

Paul in Neepawa, MB: “First female monarch. Two weeks earlier than last year. Busy laying eggs on common milkweed” (05/27/2023)

Marilyn in Winnipeg, MB: “Saw a monarch butterfly landing on one swamp milkweed after another in my backyard in the North Kildonan area of Winnipeg, presumably laying eggs.” (05/28/2023)

Mary in Valley River, MB: “Our first Monarch butterfly, spotted on a Lilac bush. We have Dwarf Milkweed in our pasture, plus many Milkweed plants in our garden.” (05/28/2023)

Caitlynn in North Bay, ON: “Found female monarch laying eggs in my garden probably 10-20 from what I’ve seen so far!” (05/30/2023)

Eggs and Larvae

Female monarchs are laying eggs of the 2nd generation now. These monarchs will be the grandchildren of butterflies that overwintered in Mexico. Monarch generations are continuing the cycle. It takes about one month for each to develop. Over the summer, three generations will be produced in the north.

Steven in Glendale, WI: “The female was visiting several common milkweed plants in our garden. I found 1 egg. It was a sunny day, 70oF at around 3pm.” (05/28/2023)

Monarch larvae are being observed as far north as latitude 44°N in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Jen in North Mankato, MN: “This is the most larvae I’ve seen in my yard this early in the season.” (05/24/2023)

LeEtta in Minneapolis, MN: “I found one small caterpillar on a swamp milkweed plant (Asclepias incarnata).” (05/29/2023)