Date: 08/25/2009

Number: 1

We have spent the last two weeks here near the shores of Georgian Bay (45"
20' N; 80" 01' W), where we vacation each August and do some Monarch watching/rearing/observing/tagging. (Thirteen of 200 Monarchs we tagged here in August of 2003 have been recovered in Mexico). This year has been disappointing. We usually find many late stage instars, and often have over 100 larvae and pupae in our rearing containers. This year we have about 30 and it is difficult to find 4th and 5th instars. The meadow where I usually do tagging is bereft of adults. I have seen a total of two there. The local people here in Parry Sound have commented on the small numbers of adults seen this summer. At the same time Common Milkweed is abundant and healthy.
Other butterfly species also seem diminished in numbers as well.
This has been a relatively cool and wet summer in much of Ontario, including Parry Sound. This past week has been the warmest and provided the most sunshine of any week this summer, according to our friends here in Parry Sound.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Parry Sound, ON

Latitude: 45.4 Longitude: -80

Observed by:
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