Date: 05/18/2001

Number: 1

M. and F. sighted in a monarch patch in Ottawa Cnty., OH. just
east of Lucas Cnty on L. Erie. Male looked very fresh, female was faded
but not torn. She was seen ovipositing a single egg on one milkweed plant
and attempts were made to oviposit on several other plants to no
avail. Perhaps she had finished her due. This is a most reliable sighting
by the head naturalist from Maumee Bay St.Pk who has a delightful 5 acres
or so where she lives in Ottawa Cnty. that is all established as a natural
butterfly area.

I have checked several areas along the Lake to no avail. Also I
have checked more areas on the shore of the Maumee R. just west of Toledo
and have found no eggs, much to my dismay.


Am also curious. I have noticed for several years that the naturally
occurring milkweed that I check perhaps 3 or 4 years in a row sometimes
does not appear for a year or so. These areas are along the country
roadsides that are cut but not sprayed. It has been long enough now post
spraying that the plant should be appearing. I have never seen a situation
like this reported - the somewhat sporadic appearance of the plant. These
are areas where I have always found my first eggs.

Toledo, OH

Latitude: 41.6 Longitude: -83.5

Observed by: Doris
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