Date: 05/01/2013

Number: 1

Ken Knight, an experienced Lepidoptertist who rears monarchs and other species, called to let me know he saw an adult monarch flying in Grand Rapids near Leonard and Widdicomb Streets. This is almost a month earlier than my normal first sighting. Ken told me he had one on 2 May 2012 last year.

Editor's Note: Ranger Steve Mueller, who submitted this report is a knowledgeable naturalist who discovered a new species of moth in southern Utah. He added, "I will verify that Ken Knight is one of the most knowledgeable members of the West Michigan Butterfly Association."

Although this sighting is most likely accurate, the monarch may not have been a wild monarch. Monarchs are reared in Grand Rapids at this time of year and released at weddings and other celebrations.

Grand Rapids, MI

Latitude: 43 Longitude: -85.7

Observed by: Ranger Steve
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