Published: 06/14/2022

Migrating Monarchs

Monarchs continue to approach the northern limits of their breeding range in Canada. However, Journey North volunteers in Saskatchewan have yet to report first sightings. At this same time last year, monarchs were as far north as Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (latitude 52°N).  Up to this point, the northernmost report is from Lowland, Manitoba (latitude 50°N).

Josephine in Lowland, MB: "One adult. Could not determine male or female as was flying. The common milkweed was just coming up in the garden. Monarch did not stay." (06/04/2022)

Alan in Kerns, ON: "On Centaurea Montana. Did not stay long - headed North. Similar markings to one reported at Corbeil, Ontario on 06/01/2022 as Adult Monarch Sighted." (06/10/2022)

Georgette in Sanford, MB: "First monarch I’ve seen this year so far in Sanford, MB." (06/11/2022)

Eggs and Larvae

Summer is less than one week away. As migration winds down and more monarchs settle in to breeding grounds, reports of eggs and larvae are rising in the Upper Midwest, Southern Ontario, and New England.

Amanda in Port Hope, ON: "Walked by a patch of milkweed earlier and noted egg sightings (reported on first egg sighting map). Evening walk by same area observed one of the eggs had hatched and an instar was visible on a leaf." (06/08/2022)

Mary Ann in Pinconning, MI: "Have not seen any butterflies yet but found 3 caterpillars." (06/12/2022)

Erica in Greenfield, MA: "I'm quite sure I saw a monarch butterfly here on 5/23/22 but didn't get a good photo so didn't report. This caterpillar is large (5cm?)." (06/12/2022)