Published: 05/31/2022

Migrating Monarchs

From North Dakota to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the leading edge of migration is hovering between latitude 45–48°N. Southern Ontario and New England are hotspots of activity.

No reports yet from Manitoba. At this same time last year, there were several reports as far north as Winnipeg. Explore our Monarch Adult (FIRST sighted) map to compare migration year-to-year.

Jim in Devils Lake, ND: "First of the year." (05/27/2022)

Susan in Welshpool, NB: "Feeding on dandelions in the field at the campground." (05/27/2022)

Charles in Kirkfield, ON: "Submitted by Don Davis: 'Charles' reported to this writer and also on Facebook the sighting of one monarch on the Carden Alvar on May 28, 2022. Alvars are unique and rare habitats." (05/28/2022)

Kenneth N in Langdon, NH: "First sighting and a beautiful female depositing her eggs on young Milkweed. Seems about at least a couple weeks earlier than previous years. Plenty of wildflowers to nectar from." (05/28/2022)

Jennifer in Milton, VT: "We saw one monarch flying around our yard for most of the morning." (05/29/2022)

M in Bonfield, ON: "Monarch Butterfly adults sighted along HWY 17 from Rutherglen to Mattawa. More seen up along HWY 533." (05/29/2022)

Eggs and Larvae

Female monarchs are laying eggs of the 2nd generation now. These monarchs will be the grandchildren of butterflies that overwintered in Mexico. Monarch generations are continuing the cycle. It takes about one month for each to develop. Over the summer, three generations will be produced in the north.

Ruth in Ottawa, ON: "While hoping to sight adult Monarchs, I checked the milkweed on my front lawn and started finding eggs instead!" (05/30/2022)

Monarch larvae are being observed as far north as latitude 44°N in South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario. 

Amy in Prairie Du Sac, WI: "I saw many Monarchs ovipositing on Whorled Milkweed in particular, but found the instars on Common Milkweed." (05/27/2022)