Date: 09/09/2012

Number: 1

In the last 3 days I have observed only 4 monarchs. They all flew in a south-west direction as they left my garden. I plan to monitor the Lake Michigan shoreline in the next few days in hopes of finding migrating monarchs now that the temperatures are lower in the evening.

This year monarch rearing has been more challenging than I have ever experienced in my 45 years of study. Mortality was off the charts in July. Tachnid fly infestation in July was about 80%. Despite proper rearing technique, I had more than 50% of my cats die in a strange greenish/clear liquid affecting all instars. Of the eggs that I managed to find, most were in the shade, in moist areas. Unfortunately, many of them failed to hatch. After surveying many other butterfly enthusiasts, I found that everyone was having the same issue. In mid August the problem dissipated. I have only one 5th instar caterpillar and 14 chrysalis left. No eggs have been found since Aug. 23.

Mishicot, WI

Latitude: 44.3 Longitude: -87.6

Observed by: Ann
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