Date: 05/20/2006

Number: 1

We found three milkweed plants in The Orchard at Altapass butterfly garden with about 20 third instar monarch caterpillars all over them. The plants were growing close together. During the next 7 days, another 25 caterpillars were found (in or near the garden), with some in 5th instar, and many eggs and tiny caterpillars. We continue to find eggs and little caterpillars in very large numbers, and have 3 terrariums filled with 37 chrysalises. We lost 7 that had been parasitized. During that time, we saw 1 adult monarch in the area, and 1 five miles away. The milkweed plants are especially stout (thick stemmed) and vigorous.

Little Switzerland, NC

Latitude: 35.8 Longitude: -82

Observed by: Judy
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