Date: 01/23/2015

Number: 1

Observed a mating pair of monarchs today, Jan. 23,2015, at the eucalyptus grove on Del Monte Ave. in Monterey, CA across from the entrance to the Naval Postgraduate School. This is a small winter roost site with approximately 500 monarchs according to the count that was conducted over Thanksgiving weekend. I know monarchs don't normally start to mate until closer to the end of Feb. so something is not right. Don't know if any one is studying the mating cycle so I wanted to post in case any one is forwarding information to a researcher. There does not appear to be milkweed in the immediate area but know of 1 Asclepias currasivica (tropical milkweed) about 3/4 of a mile away that was in bloom 2 weeks ago. The sighting was at approximately 1:46 P.M. The weather was warm, approximately 68 degrees. It's supposed to be warmer the next 3 days so I will try to get back to location with my camera. I have notified the Natural History Museum in Pacific Grove about my observation also.

Monterey, CA

Latitude: 36.6 Longitude: -121.8

Observed by: Maureen
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.