Eastern Monarch Spring 2023 Report #9

Published: 06/07/2023

Migrating Monarchs

Monarchs have made good progress and are being spotted as far north as Saskatoon, SK, with the leading edge hovering around latitude 51–52°N.

First observations of monarchs continue to pick up in Ontario, and monarchs are now being spotted in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Wendy in New Prospect, NS: “… Wanted to report that I saw my first Monarch in our yard today. It fluttered around the front garden, where my milkweed is coming up and then went over to the brook that runs along our property. Sorry, did not get a photo, but was very excited to see it here.” (06/01/2023)

Donald near Brighton, ON: “Spotted my first adult monarch today in Presqu’ile Provincial Park, Ontario. Female laying eggs on small tender milkweed plants.” (06/03/2023)

Michelle in Burnsville, MN: “So excited to see this older monarch join me, as I was planting more milkweed in my garden today. She had a tattered, and faded wings and was robust depositing eggs on many plants. After zooming in on the photo, I was thrilled to see the egg emerging from her body.” (06/05/2023)

Eggs and Larvae

Reports of eggs and larvae are on the rise in the upper Midwest and Ontario, and continue to come in from Manitoba and also Saskatchewan.

Remember that monarch caterpillars go through five stages of growth. Each stage is called an “instar.” Learn more about monarch larvae with this resource.

Lindsay in Winnipeg, MB: “First eggs of the season! She left me 30!!! (20 on swamp, 10 on ice ballet). All mostly on the flower buds.” (05/31/2023)

Russell in Saskatoon, SK: “Egg on Swamp Milkweed and oval-leafed Milkweed. My first ever sighting! Waited four growing seasons for this.” (06/04/2023)

Katie in Garrison, ND: “First caterpillars I’ve seen this year. Spotted on the de Trobriand trail at Fort Stevenson State Park.” (06/04/2023)