Date: 09/06/1999

Number: 1

Our area is fortunate in that we have an abundance of Monarchs this year. As stated and witnessed by many, we seem to have more this year than that in the recent past. Our weather has been good, with lots of moisture and healthy milkweed.
On Friday, 9/3/99, the students and I checked an approx. 12'X 8' area just outside the Vandyke Environmental Learning Center for evidence of Monarchs. We found a minimum of 11 caterpillers. Nine were collected and put in official live caterpiller containers (from U of MN/entomology/Monarch research lab). I took them home over the weekend and will return on Tues. Seven have entered the J-stage. Also have an emerged Monarch with rolled wing structure. SHE, it seemed, could not fully unroll her wings. I put her on a juicy apple.She took nutrients immediately. Later I released her into my flower garden. Does anyone have a thought? Was the humid air conditions a factor? I waited to release her until the next morning. No improvement.
L. Wangsness

Coleraine, MN

Latitude: 47.3 Longitude: -93.4

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