Date: 04/21/2025

Number: 8

At 11:30am it was 74 degrees F, sunny, with 71% humidity, and light breezes from the NE. The grass was heavy with dew as I walked about on the pathways. I observed at least 8 individual monarchs.

The females were milkweed-seeking and egg-laying, sometimes sipping from yellow thistles.

The males were sailing everywhere, patrolling the milkweed patches and nectar spots ~ especially the prairie plantains (Arnoglossum plantagineum). They get highly energized by the nectar of the plantains and seem to enjoy the busy scene: having little tussles with other butterflies and each other.

Slim milkweed (Asclepias linearis) has emerged at this time, especially in the areas where the prairie plantains like to grow. The main native milkweed (Asclepias viridis) continues to be abundant with some new growth, many budding and flowering, and some now starting little nascent seed pods. I continue to find monarch eggs and larvae on the milkweed.

This is one of the female monarchs seen today as she lays her egg in the bud crown of a fresh milkweed (Asclepias viridis).

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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