Date: 04/12/2011

Number: 1

There is very little milkweed available now - mostly in gardens. We have milkweed breaking ground in our garden but it is less than half an inch in height - with the exception of one common milkweed that's up about an inch and a half. I was pretty sure there was little if any milkweed in the field but needed to verify this notion.

So, I spent some time looking for milkweed this morning in areas where I know it is abundant. Nada. Except in one burned over field.
In an area with lots of milkweed clones last year that was burned about two weeks ago, I found one clone putting up ramets (stems) in an area about 15'x10'. There were 15 stems - with none more than 2 inches high - and 11 eggs. Astonishing!

I'd say it's clear that the monarchs at this latitude at present really have to search for the few milkweeds available. In fact, it could be said that the leading edge of this northern migration is effectively ahead of the milkweed in natural areas. That's new to me. I don't think this return pattern is a good thing - unless it stays warmer than normal over the next 5-6 weeks and that's not likely.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Lawrence, KS

Latitude: 39 Longitude: -95.2

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