Date: 09/30/2024

Number: 50

Several Monarchs on Liatris punctata v. mucrocata blooming near house time 1400. About 10 individuals. About 1730 we drove around to check other location on the property. Everywhere we found Liatris we also found Monarchs on them. Liatris is just starting to bloom, which is normal for this date. Maybe 10% are blooming more than one or two flowers. More than half have no flowers open yet.
The check drive was sampling, not exhaustive, so the observed 50 count is likely low. This date is a bit early to see so many Monarch arriving.
It was too warm mid 80's to expect any large roost. Near house when sunset shade first touched the Liatris, Monarchs there flew individually to nearest large trees 20-30 feet away. Plateau Live Oak, Shumard Oak and Chinese Pistache.
The photo shows three Monarchs feeding on Liatris. The liatris is growing with Little Bluestem, the most common prairie grass here, and other plant species. This is typical here, which can make Monarch observation a challenge because the grass usually overtops the Liatris. Timing of rain this year has allowed strong growth of Little Bluestem recently. Some are already reaching 4 feet before inflorescences have started.
Liatris is Monarchs first choice if avialable, and is widesptead here in dry soils. However rare along on roadsides.

Glen Rose, TX

Latitude: 32.1 Longitude: -97.9

Observed by: Gregg
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