Date: 03/30/2023

Number: 6

Today I did a milkweed survey for monarch eggs and larvae. I looked at 204 milkweed plants (Asclepias viridis) and found a total of 166 eggs and 40 larvae. I am sure I missed some ~ especially the 1st instars and larvae who were off their plants. I did the survey from 11am – 4pm looking at a few of the main milkweed areas. It was a mostly overcast day, near 72 degrees F, very windy, with 80% humidity. That last is because it spritzed misty rain at times throughout the afternoon.

These are the monarch egg count results:

99 milkweed w/0 eggs
69 milkweed w/1 egg
23 milkweed w/2 eggs
8 milkweed w/3 eggs
2 milkweed w/4 eggs
0 milkweed w/5 eggs
2 milkweed w/6 eggs
1 milkweed w/7 eggs

These are the monarch larvae count results:

1st instars: 18
2nd instars: 1
3rd instars: 6
4th instars: 8
5th instars: 7

Note: A portion of the milkweed with 0 or some eggs, also had one or more larvae.

As I was doing the survey, at times I saw monarchs nearby. But I was very focused on the milkweed, so no following or looking about generally. Also, it did spritz a light misty rain on and off during the afternoon. Worked for me checking milkweed, but for monarchs not the best flying weather.

This lovely monarch sunned & dried her wings, then proceeded to lay eggs on multiple milkweed plants. She was a joy to see!

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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