Date: 04/07/2010

Number: 1

Today I examined the milkweed plants (Asclepius viridis) in our pastures and was delighted to see quite a few monarch larva babies! The total number of plants looked at = 242.
Total eggs found = 33.

(Milkweed w/1 egg = 21, milkweed w/2 eggs = 6)

Total larva found = 22.
(Milkweed w/1 larva = 8, milkweed w/2 larva = 7)

There were 18 1st instars and 4 2nd instars, with most appearing to be newborn or around 1 day old. There were quite a few milkweed with the telltale chew hole of a new larva, but no larva seen. Some of the milkweed were already opening their blossoms (approximately 20). The day was overcast and 75 degrees F. I didn't see any monarch butterflies, but over the last week we have seen 2-4 each day nectaring, egg-laying, and flying.

Dobbin, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.7

Observed by: Kathy
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