Date: 09/17/2021

Number: 1

I already reported other adult butterflies I saw yesterday morning. Yesterday afternoon, I observed something new. In my front yard, I saw something drop from the sky and realized when it hit the ground that it was an adult monarch with its wings folded. As I approached it, a large, brown & yellow wasp (likely a European hornet [Vespa crabro]) flew up from the monarch's body to which it had clasped and landed on a nearby blueberry bush. The monarch lay motionless for perhaps 2-3s. Then it fluttered vigorously and flew directly upward, getting buzzed briefly by the hornet before the hornet flew away. The monarch landed ~20 high on a silver maple branch. It slowly, rhythmically opened and closed its wings for 5 mins before flying away.

Alexandria, VA

Latitude: 38.7 Longitude: -77.1

Observed by: Paul
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.