Date: 07/21/2016

Number: 2

I initially saw one female monarch flying in the Hemlock Crossing Park/Nature Preserve north of Holland, Michigan. About 5 minutes later I spotted another butterfly in the same area, I don't know if it was the same female as before, but when I approached it, a male monarch appeared and they began to court each other in mid air. Shortly after, the female landed in a tall oak tree and the male landed on top of her and began copulating. Instead of remaining in one spot, he began flying around while they were still connected. She didn't participate in flight, but rather patiently went along for the ride... ;)He seemed strong enough for the both of them and soon took her away into the canopy of a tall oak. There's lots of milkweed/butterfly weed around that area for the next generation to use.

West Olive, MI

Latitude: 42.9 Longitude: -86.1

Observed by: Benjamin
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