Date: 03/18/2006

Number: 1

I am sure you know that here in Houston, thanks to our mild winters (especially the last few years) and to all the plantings of the non-senescing Aslepias curassavica, we have a large population of overwintering monarchs. We see them here throughout the year, with caterpillars probably more abundant in the winter (and fall and spring) than in the summer, when many of the butterflies have moved north). I know we are not on the migration pathway like you are in Austin. However, I think a few migrants must come through here both spring and fall because we often have a flush of egg-laying at those time. And, I saw what I am certain was a migrant over the past weekend (March 18-19)- a very faded and worn female was checking out the little butterfly garden a couple of us maintain in a park near my house in central Houston.

All the other monarchs I've seen this past winter have been nice and fresh.

Courtesy of Mike Quinn, Texas Monarch Watch

Houston, TX

Latitude: 29.8 Longitude: -95.4

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