Date: 09/02/2014

Number: 7

2 Sept. 2014, Sedgwick ME report to Monarch Watch from Dr. Deb Piot (butterfly ecologist, Tufts U.):

Due to off and on wet conditions (rain and heavy dew), and apparent demise of a several (or more) 5th instar Monarchs due to virus or parasites, I made a first-time decision to shelter approx. 22 wild cats (4th and 5th instars and chrysalides) beginning the first week of August. All appear(ed) in excellent health; 12 have emerged perfectly in captivity; 10 remain as chrysalides or cats in captivity (glass jars with fresh milkweed covered with fine mesh. I have observed dozens of Monarch cats this summer.

On 09/2, I observed 9 Monarch cats (wild) feeding on Asclepias incarnata and A. tuberosa. I sheltered 3 of the 9 (feeding on Asclepias incarnata).
I didn't check for Monarchs on A. speciosa or A. incarnata white.

One Monarch chrysalid (wild) attached to a stem of Heliopsis emerged in perfect condition. We tagged her (first Monarch to tag).

Two fresh Monarchs engaged in a mating dance. Many (approx. 7) nectared on Allium, Asclepias tuberosa, Aster, Buddleia, Cosmos, Dahlia, Echinacea, Eupatorium, Helenium, Hydrangea, Phlox, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Verbena, and more.

I'll be watching for a final brood to emerge in early
October.

Sedgwick, ME

Latitude: 44.3 Longitude: -68.6

Observed by: Deb
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