[LarryBud]

I was working in the yard and just saw the first Monarch Butterfly of the year. Seems early from my recollection, maybe a one-off but can Autumn be all that far off?

 

[Robert Holcombe]

I have had them for more than week, maybe two- three weeks. First ever sighting of a Monarch Butterfly on a Milkweed plant - often on Butterfly bushes. I have been encouraging Milkweed patches to grow in various areas. Enjoy!

 

[Fivej]

Larry, your recollection is off. Monarchs arrive in the North in Spring and leave in the Fall. Unfortunately, the fact that you are just seeing one is testament to their decline.
I have seen far fewer this year despite the abundance of milkweed. J

 

[elmer_fud]

off topic, but I had a black witch moth at my house last night. It had a 6 inch wingspan and I have not seen them before.

 

[LarryBud]

Wow that's eatin' size!

 

[LarryBud]

Larry, your recollection is off. Monarchs arrive in the North in Spring and leave in the Fall. Unfortunately, the fact that you are just seeing one is testament to their decline.
I have seen far fewer this year despite the abundance of milkweed. J

I'm much further south than you, they come by in the spring and then their pretty much gone until September down here. I see them in the Summer up at our house in Midcoast Maine. Seeing them in the beginning of August around here is rare. I agree though, they are in serious decline and I hope with the increases in Milkweed that they rebound.

 

[Fivej]

Oh, they are on their way back south where you are. Sorry, for some reason location is not displayed when I am on my tablet. I should just shut my mouth if something is location dependant, but didn't think of them heading the other way so assumed you were just seeing them. J

 

[Fivej]

@elmer, that's eatin size! Biggest I see around here is the luna moth which is really beautiful. I have seen similar moths around here but its out of the black witch moth range, so unsure what it is. J

 

[Arnie]

The last few years I have been lucky enough to see them laying eggs in the milkweed and I have raised them in a butterfly tent.
This year I only have 3.
And yes, it is late this year. Usually the female shows up beginning of July or so.

Also Anise Swallowtail caterpillars get in my fennel. 5 of those this year.

It's fun. Kids love it.