Date: 05/01/2022

Number: 1

I normally see 1 Monarch in the area around this time. I’ve learned they are mostly going North. I have been harvesting eggs for 3 years and last year released around 100 healthy Monarchs. With seeds sent to me 2 years ago I started noticing Milkweed in my garden and the woods behind my house in April. (Common). I’ve had the greatest success with Tropical Milkweed. I cut it down at the end of the fall. So, after seeing the Monarch I noticed 2 of the Common Milkweed plants was being eaten. I looked and found 1 egg, 2 tiny caterpillars & 2 big ones. So, I brought them in. Today the 4th one began its journey and his preparing (likely tomorrow) to form the chrysalis. I’ll have 4. I’ve gotten better each season with the August harvesting and find that at the height of emerging Monarchs, I have few issues. I’ve had a few chrysalis not succeed with the tachynid fly emerging. But, this is the earliest I’ve attempted to successfully raise Monarch’s. We’ll see what happens. I’m a little concerned about the color with 2 of the chrysalis but have seen slight variations before that proved to be okay. BTW, has anyone ever considered approaching Explore.org to set up a live cam. That might be an amazing success!

Durham, NC

Latitude: 36 Longitude: -78.8

Observed by: Susan
Contact Observer

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