Date: 10/11/2018

Number: 207

Our 2nd last Monarch (male) emerged before sunrise and was released early in the morning as I knew the temperatures were heading down throughout the day (high 21C at midnight, low 8C)and I hoped he would get on his way. However, he did not leave and on Sunday, October 14 at around 14:00 we saw him fly low across the road heading south into a moderate Southwest wind. Temperatures were the best they have been in days for him to move and the sun was shining (high 14C low 4C.) He was not the only one on the move as we saw a large roost at Point Pelee National Park in the evening.

Our last Monarch of the season (see photograph) put on a beautiful display for the grade ones in Mrs. Smith's class who were able to witness his emergence. He was released at lunchtime in a sheltered spot out of the strong winds. I hope these last two make it as we are headed into a week of temperatures in the negatives overnight.

We have had a very successful season and raised our most monarchs to date. At times it seemed like a full time job. Our losses (10) due to tachnid fly and dead caterpillars occurred mainly with the higher instars harvested and also late in the season (September.) The best success rate was from eggs and early instars. Approximately 50% of our harvests were from roadsides while gathering leaves.
This season had the earliest start (June 27 versus August 17)and latest finish (October 11 versus October 6.) I hope our efforts have an effect on the numbers in Mexico.

Lakeshore, ON

Latitude: 42.2 Longitude: -82.9

Observed by: Laura
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