Date: 03/26/2017

Number: 34

Today I had the opportunity to do a count of milkweed, eggs, and larvae. I looked at 175 milkweed and found 110 eggs and 34 larvae. Of the 34 larvae: 22 were 1st instars (of which 15 were newborn), 11 were 2nd instars, and 1 was a 3rd instar. Of the 110 eggs, at least 5 were about to hatch. I covered about 5 acres of pastureland and ditches with woodlands and trees nearby. I started the count at 9:45am and, with breaks, finished at 2pm. It was a partly cloudy day with temperature starting around 74 degrees F and going to 80 degrees F. Humidity started at 73% and went down to 55%. The winds were from SSE 11mph. I saw some beautiful faded monarchs egg-laying and a monarch nectaring on a yellow thistle, but was concentrating on the milkweed, so not sure of numbers. I plan to do a second count tomorrow to look at about 2 more acres not checked yet. It was a joy to see the newborns (amazing experience really) and to see the developing caterpillars!

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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