Date: 01/18/2003

Number: 1

Several locations right along the Texas coast have had overwintering Monarchs. This morning, Altus found a new chrysalide near our pond. Two weeks ago we took student and teacher from TMI in San Antonio to nearby Matagorda Bay (Port O'Connor) and observed about fifteen Monarchs flying or nectaring. These Monarchs do not seem associated with any backyard, cultivated Tropical milkweed, A. curassavica, but rather a milkweed native to the area, A. oenotheroides, that was doing well in mid January. In Port O'Connor the Monarchs can find large trees for shelter, thick stands of coastal oaks, wildflowers (stands of lantana) for nectar, mild conditions (bay waters on two sides), and milkweed in and around town (until there is a freeze ... once every two or three years).

Port Lavaca, TX

Latitude: 28.5 Longitude: -96.7

Observed by: Harlen E.
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