Date: 05/17/2006

Number: 1

Monarchs were observed migrating through Montgomery County, MD during mid and late April. However I saw my first ovipositing female in my milkweed meadow (Monarch Waystation) on Wed. May 17. With hundreds of plants of 5 milkweed species from which to choose, she selected the rarest, the purple milkweed (A. purpurascens). I have a small patch of about 7 plants and she laid eggs on all of them. Has anyone studied the toxicity level in this species?
Also, while she was searching for the best milkweeds for her eggs, an inexperienced fledgling bluejay pursued her. She remained focused on her task and exhibited some amazing aerial acrobatics to out-maneuver the jay.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Boyds, MD

Latitude: 39.2 Longitude: -77.3

Observed by:
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