Date: 09/30/2017

Number: 6

Six (6) monarchs are feeding primarily on the tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica). The group is comprised of a mix of males and females. All are solely focused on nectaring. Absent are mating behavior and male territorial displays seen since monarchs arrived in the garden for the first time in mid-August.

What’s more, each individual’s physical condition is pristine, suggesting these butterflies are relatively new eclosions. Given what I’m observing, I am operating on the assumption they are the earliest of the few migrators, a few of which may have come to maturity in my own backyard.

I will carefully watch this group for consistency of behavior. If they remain focused on feeding, I will conclude they are migrators.

The Village, OK

Latitude: 35.6 Longitude: -97.6

Observed by: Denise
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