|The quiet interlude between generations that we're experiencing now is typical for early May. New butterflies are on the wing, but not in the numbers we'll see in a week or two. Get ready! There will soon be as many sightings in one week as we have had all spring.
Surprise sightings were reported in the far north, from Iowa and Minnesota. The monarch in Minnesota was 400 miles north of the migration's leading edge and well ahead of the milkweed.
"I was astounded to see the monarch because I know it's way early for them to be here."
Marte Hult Plymouth, Minnesota May 4, 2014
Each year a few far-flung monarchs such as these are seen in the north. Based on their timing, it's possible they have flown this far from Mexico.
This year's northern sightings are particularly surprising because cool spring temperatures have persisted there. Note the strong north-south temperature gradient the temperature map shows. The migration has not surpassed latitude 40°N, the extent of the warm temperature (60°F) band.
Let's see if the migration expands substantially during the next two weeks as we predict.
Breeding in Mexico
It's often said that monarchs don't reproduce in spring until they reach Texas. However, such a perspective is likely due to a lack of information. Biologist Alfonso Banda, Director of Natural Resources in Tamaulipas, documented the complete life cycle this spring in his state in northern Mexico.
In a landmark meeting in the history of insect conservation, the White House convened diverse stakeholders last week to address catastrophic declines in pollinators — including monarchs — and prioritize their recovery on a continent-wide scale.