What is the latest date one should raise monarchs?

[blazing star]

I'm in northern Illinois and I'm looking for new eggs but is it now too late to start raising a new batch of cats?

[Mona Miller]

I don't know how cold your area gets. Looks like you may be between latitude 41-42. In that case, you may have time to raise Monarchs from eggs and let them go. But, it depends on the condition of your milkweed, too.

http://www.monarchwatch.org/tagmig/peak.html
Latitude Midpoint Peak in monarch abundance
49 26 August 18-30 August
47 1 September 24 August -5 September
45 6 September 29 August - 10 September
43 11 September 3 - 15 September
41 16 September 8 - 20 September

[blazing star]

Of course, your post was just very helpful! Thanks. I have time, based on this chart, to try to squeeze out another batch but it's getting close. Thanks, Mona.

[NickiM]

I live in Hannibal, MO, and last year I released my last cat on Oct 7th.

[blazing star]

I worry they won't find nectar at that late a date. Maybe it's better to release late than not at all, though?

[Mona Miller]

Feed them before you let them go that is if they will eat. Some times they won't eat until they are 2-3 days old. Water is the most important thing. Food is secondary to water. The further south they get, the more likely they are to find nectar sources. I remember reading in Texas of how Monarchs were nectaring on the honeydew from the aphids on the Pecan trees.

[kristin10152001]

I live in ohio and I have been doing some research on raising monarchs through the winter, Nigel Venters has a great website with amazing photos to show how to raise monarchs in a fridge!