Date: 09/01/2006

Number: 1

We found the first Monarch in Door Co., WI ...last May 15th. From that date to the end of July we had thousands of Monarchs flitting about, nectaring, laying eggs and larvae eating Milkweeds. During that time I reared and released 70 adults (36 females and 34 males). This was the end of July. Other years, the count was 35 at the end of October. But this year was really strange, because the end of July appeared to be the cutoff for Monarchs. I had 28 caterpillars still eating and pupating, but none ever survived after that date. All adults that eclosed were deformed and could not fly. We stopped seeing butterflies nectaring or flitting about and found no more larvae or eggs. Generally, when the Joe-Pye Weeds are blooming in late August, there are Monarchs everywhere...not this year. And we have an over abundance of the plant. It's been dry, but we've had adequate rain to keep our pond filled, which hasn't happened for five years. We are really puzzled and hoping that what we have observed here in Door County, is not a more widespread problem. It's like the generation that's supposed to be going to Mexico, has been wiped out. I hope this only a local problem.

Bailey's Harbor, WI

Latitude: 45.1 Longitude: -87.2

Observed by: Janice
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