Post by trehopr1 on Sept 11, 2021 19:28:16 GMT -8
For all the concern these last few years over the status
of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) here in the U.S.
as well as it's diminished presence in Mexico; I still have
a hard time accepting all the negative foreboding thoughts.
I have seen this charming species here ALL summer long in
various fields which I've visited these last 3 months. While
I have not necessarily seen a lot of them; I have always seen
SOME of them present.
During our summer months Monarchs seem to spent a lot of their
time patrolling the fields looking for mates and chasing off
intruders to their territory. So, catching them is not always
such an easy thing.
However, by mid-September our 2nd brood begins emerging and then
quite a few more individuals are seen. These future migrators seem
much more intent in stocking-up on their fat reserves for their
long upcoming trip. Thus, their frequent trips to purple clover
flowers enables a collector a better chance at specimens.
Today, I went to one of my collecting haunts and inside of 15
minutes picked off 7 individuals - all fresh looking. Between stops
I spotted a milkweed plant nearby and a quick check revealed these
fellows on it.
Funny thing is that there are 3 instars on it !
From my own personal observations I do not feel that the
species is under stress here as various articles have purported
it to be...
It may have its highs + lows during its overwintering phase
in Mexico and yes, its roosting areas may be more-so at risk
than ever before; but, this species here (for now) remains a
resilient and sturdy species of open field and wild spaces.
of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) here in the U.S.
as well as it's diminished presence in Mexico; I still have
a hard time accepting all the negative foreboding thoughts.
I have seen this charming species here ALL summer long in
various fields which I've visited these last 3 months. While
I have not necessarily seen a lot of them; I have always seen
SOME of them present.
During our summer months Monarchs seem to spent a lot of their
time patrolling the fields looking for mates and chasing off
intruders to their territory. So, catching them is not always
such an easy thing.
However, by mid-September our 2nd brood begins emerging and then
quite a few more individuals are seen. These future migrators seem
much more intent in stocking-up on their fat reserves for their
long upcoming trip. Thus, their frequent trips to purple clover
flowers enables a collector a better chance at specimens.
Today, I went to one of my collecting haunts and inside of 15
minutes picked off 7 individuals - all fresh looking. Between stops
I spotted a milkweed plant nearby and a quick check revealed these
fellows on it.
Funny thing is that there are 3 instars on it !
From my own personal observations I do not feel that the
species is under stress here as various articles have purported
it to be...
It may have its highs + lows during its overwintering phase
in Mexico and yes, its roosting areas may be more-so at risk
than ever before; but, this species here (for now) remains a
resilient and sturdy species of open field and wild spaces.
