Monarch in Wichita Falls, TX

[symphonyguy]

Observed a solitary large monarch in my backyard, Wichita falls, TX, about 2pm 4/5/11.

[sbannister]

I should have reported 2 weeks ago, but I have had one or two tattered adults come through, lay eggs and now those cats have pupated. Since we have year round Monarchs, it's hard to say for sure, but I think these were migrants judging by other reports and how worn they were. I had a few dozen cats this time and am looking forward for them to emerge and start over and send some north to y'all!

I live in Kenner, LA

[sbannister]

Update to my previous post. The butterflies I referred to above have all emerged now and have been nectaring in my garden but they ARE NOT laying eggs, and I have plenty of milkweed. This leads me to believe that they are fueling up to go north to breed. We do have year round Monarchs in LA, but I really think these are migratory ones.

[Mona Miller]

They usually have to be 3-5 days old before they mate and start laying. Most of the butterflies that I let go, especially the females, don't stick around very long. They are nicknamed the 'Wanderer' because they continue wondering here and there, mostly north in the spring, and mostly south in the fall.

[sbannister]

Yeah, I just hope a female or two will wander here before the fall, because I enjoy watching them and the cats as well.

[sbannister]

I finally saw a female in my garden yesterday and the day before. I found only one egg so far, but i'm sure there will be more. I also saw a monarch at a garden store last week, so I know there are some in the area.