Date: 04/09/2019

Number: 1

Driving South on County Road V-66 towards Marengo, Iowa at 25 MPH. Monarch was traveling North on same road. I slowed down even further as to avoid a collision with it.

I am absolutely sure it was a monarch. I have been to Mexico 3 times for the migration, have taught about Monarchs for 20 years, tagged them and reared a few. No doubt what I saw. It shocked me to see it this early in the year. The earliest I have ever seen them before this was May 8th.

I mentioned I was driving. I didn't mention I stopped and observed it even closer.
I spoke with another Naturalist from Buchanan county, Iowa, and we both agreed, the Monarch is probably in trouble to be here so early. Perhaps the prevailing strong winds blew him in. Not sure. Hope that helps.

Marengo, IA

Latitude: 41.8 Longitude: -92.1

Observed by: Karen
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