When Are Monarch Caterpillars Available In Michigan?

Monarch caterpillars are a beloved and recognizable insect in North and Central America, with millions migrating across the United States. They arrive in Michigan from late spring through early fall, with the actual arrival time varying depending on temperature and nectar availability. Southern areas may see monarchs slightly before northern parts, but most arrive in mid to late June.

Monarch eggs and caterpillars can still be hard to find despite reported increases. Monitoring 240 stems of healthy common milkweed per week at eight different sites around Lansing from June showed that monarch eggs and caterpillars can still be difficult to find. Monarchs are present in Michigan from late spring through early fall, making it important to provide a variety of plants that bloom. Monarch sightings can be reported at Journey North or Monarch Joint Venture, and bee sightings at BeeSpotter.

Monarch butterflies are brightly colored and unique, both as caterpillars and later as bees. They migrate across the United States, spending their summers in Michigan and winters in Mexico. The first sightings were reported in East Lansing on May 16, and eggs on May 18. Monarchs typically arrive in late May on faded wings, having never set their eyes upon Southeast Michigan. Monarch sightings began in southeast Michigan as early as April, and now monarchs have been reported as far north as June.

Where Are My Monarch Caterpillars Going?

Caterpillars, particularly late-stage (5th instar) monarch caterpillars, often leave their milkweed host plants to escape heat, seeking shade on the ground during the hottest parts of the day. These caterpillars might travel up to 10 meters away in search of sheltered places for pupation. My experience with raising monarchs began when I noticed my caterpillars disappearing, prompting me to collect eggs and first instar caterpillars to observe their entire life cycle.

We have multiple milkweed plants around, which attract monarch butterflies depositing eggs that develop into caterpillars. Early in the season, the milkweed plants remain small and tender, making them ideal for monarchs, though multiple eggs on a single plant can signal overcrowding. Monarchs face numerous predators, including spiders, birds, lizards, and insects like ladybugs.

The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly involves stages: egg laying, hatching, and five larval instars, followed by molting. Female monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants (genus Asclepias). Upon hatching, caterpillars consume the eggshell and begin feeding. Monarch's life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly, with eggs hatching within 3-4 days.

While caterpillars retreat to pupate, they can also be found on various parts of the milkweed. My brother and I once collected a caterpillar from a milkweed in our neighborhood, sparking our interest in this fascinating life cycle.

What Is The Best Milkweed For Monarchs In Michigan?

The most effective milkweed species for supporting monarch butterflies in Michigan are Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata, also known as Rose Milkweed) and Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), both of which excel in egg-laying and caterpillar survival rates. By incorporating milkweeds into your garden, you create essential food sources for monarch caterpillars and nectar for adult butterflies, ultimately boosting pollinator populations. It's crucial to avoid planting Tropical Milkweed in Michigan, as native species are more beneficial for monarch health.

Of the eleven native milkweed species in Michigan, two-thirds should be Common Milkweed, with the remaining third comprising Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) for sandy soils or Swamp Milkweed for richer, wetter soils. Alongside monarchs, other butterfly species like Painted Ladies and Swallowtails also thrive on milkweed nectar. Planting these species not only supports monarchs but enhances biodiversity in your garden. For optimal results, focus on the recommended ratios of milkweed when planning your garden.

This ensures not just the survival of monarchs during migration but also promotes a healthy ecosystem. Remember, when you plant milkweed, you are significantly contributing to the lifecycle of monarch butterflies and other pollinators, making your garden an important habitat.

When Can I Find Monarch Caterpillars In Michigan?

In late winter, adult monarch butterflies emerge from hibernation to mate and migrate north, where they lay eggs on milkweed in March or April. The eggs hatch within four days, and the caterpillars feed on milkweed leaves, growing and molting five times over 10 to 14 days. Monarchs typically arrive in Michigan from mid to late June, with the timing varying based on temperature and nectar availability, particularly earlier in southern regions compared to the north.

In East Lansing, caterpillars from the first eggs laid begin pupation in late spring. During the summer, consistent food sources, including various blooming plants from May to September, are crucial for adult butterflies and caterpillars. The distinct black and orange coloring of monarch caterpillars sends a warning to predators, while their presence adds a touch of vibrancy to gardens. As fall approaches, milkweed, their primary food source, starts to wither.

Last year's earliest recorded monarch sightings in Michigan were in mid-April, with significant migration noted in June. Catching a glimpse of thousands of monarchs is best just before dawn or sunset, offering a spectacular natural event. Gardening enthusiasts can assist monarchs by incorporating milkweed and flowering plants into their landscapes, providing critical habitat for these iconic butterflies throughout their active season in Michigan, which lasts into early fall.

What Month Do Monarch Caterpillars Come Out?

In March and April, Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants, which hatch into caterpillars or larvae within about four days. These caterpillars grow to roughly two inches long before forming a chrysalis, where they undergo metamorphosis into butterflies over two weeks. The butterfly season in California spans from October to early March, with species like Monarch and Painted Lady migrating to central and southern areas. In Arizona, species like Admirals and Fritillaries are present as well.

Monarchs typically arrive in Massachusetts by mid to late June, but the first butterflies seen in spring are not the same ones that left the previous fall. A Monarch caterpillar remains in the egg stage for 3-5 days, feeds extensively before pupating, which takes about eight to 15 days. Adult Monarchs live about 2 to 6 weeks in summer, while migrating individuals can live from August or September to April, though many do not survive. Monarch caterpillars undergo five instar stages, with the first being small and translucent, and subsequent stages showing distinctive yellow, white, and black stripes.

Eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and adults can all be seen simultaneously in summer, leading to two generations appearing. Monarchs typically emerge from cocoons in late spring or early summer, migrating south as it gets colder.

Why Haven'T I Seen Any Monarch Butterflies This Year?

Are you facing extreme heat or drought? These conditions hinder monarch butterfly activity, leaving you with little to do except keep watering and hope for rain. The population of monarchs that overwintered in Mexico last fall was recorded as the second smallest, a stark drop from the mid-1990s peak. This decline is attributed to habitat loss and climate change, significantly impacting this iconic migration. Observers have noted fewer sightings this summer, raising concerns about the species' future.

In just a year, the presence of monarchs in their wintering grounds decreased by 22%. Despite a recent decision to remove them from the endangered species list, they are nearing extinction, now at just 5% of former populations. The decline is linked to persistent habitat destruction in Mexico, increasing pesticide use, and harsh weather conditions like prolonged heat impacting migration. Additionally, extreme weather is expected to limit the number of migrating monarchs passing through Texas this fall.

Delays in emergence due to cold fronts and reduced larvae activity have been recorded, further emphasizing the precarious state of the species. To help protect these butterflies and other pollinators, consider planting native plants, particularly milkweed, and reporting your sightings online to contribute to conservation efforts.

Where Is The Best Place To Find Monarch Caterpillars?

Caterpillars are often located on trees, grass, and leaves within wooded areas. They can also be found hiding in decaying leaves or on tree bark. Monarch caterpillars specifically thrive on milkweed, their sole food source. These caterpillars can vary greatly in appearance depending on their butterfly species. To find Monarch caterpillars, search in areas with abundant milkweed, which they exclusively consume.

According to Outdoor Science Lab for Kids by Liz Heinecke, Monarch caterpillars typically remain in this stage for 10 to 14 days and undergo five molts, allowing them to be seen in various sizes. They tend to be motionless before and after molting, so it’s important not to disturb them during this time.

Finding Monarch eggs or caterpillars begins with seeking milkweed in your yard or local natural landscapes. Eggs are small, white, and usually found on the underside of milkweed leaves, occasionally on stems or flowers. The Mission Monarch program focuses on identifying optimal breeding habitats for Monarchs through caterpillar sighting on milkweed.

Best locations for milkweed growth include undeveloped agricultural fields, meadows, and disturbed areas by roadsides. Adult Monarchs, which are large and colorful, can be observed from late June to early September in New England, facilitating egg and caterpillar collection. For optimal results in gathering Monarch eggs and caterpillars, utilize milkweed plants that you have cultivated or explore wild growth. If caterpillars are elusive, continue your search in favoured habitats.

When Can You Find Monarch Caterpillars On Milkweed?

Monarch butterflies arrive in the region a few weeks before May's bloom, yet the number of caterpillars and signs of herbivory on milkweed leaves remain surprisingly low as the season progresses. However, adult monarchs are frequently observed well into October. Late spring and summer are the prime times to find monarch caterpillars on milkweed, identifiable by tell-tale signs like frass and leaf damage. Female monarchs prefer laying eggs on younger, healthier milkweed, often found in shaded areas.

Key locations to search for eggs include small milkweed seedlings and specific areas where caterpillars are likely to be present. Finding caterpillars not only indicates breeding activity but also directs you to productive habitats. The health of milkweed is critical; it is the sole food source for monarch caterpillars, which feed voraciously after hatching. The Mission Monarch program aims to identify optimal breeding habitats for these butterflies, emphasizing the need to plant milkweed in clusters for easy access.

In regions like New England from late June to early September, one can observe numerous caterpillars and eggs, while August brings peak activity in places like northern Utah. Interestingly, early-emerging stems of common milkweed are crucial for migrating monarchs, enhancing egg-laying opportunities. Adult monarchs, identifiable and prevalent around milkweed and other nectar plants, serve as indicators of the butterfly's life cycle stages. Despite initial expectations, fewer caterpillars and damaged leaves may be observed later in the season.

Why Am I Not Seeing Monarch Caterpillars?

The decline in monarch butterflies can be attributed to several factors including changing weather patterns, increased predator populations, pesticide use, and possibly issues related to OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha), a parasitic infection. Monarch larvae have several natural predators that may be affecting their numbers before they are noticed. Interestingly, adult monarchs may also not be laying eggs at certain locations. Observations indicate that in Northern California, specifically Oakland, individuals have reported a complete absence of monarchs and their eggs despite having multiple milkweed plants.

Factors influencing this situation may include early blooming of milkweed and a general decline in the monarch population, as enthusiasts notice a consistent lack of visibility in various regions, including Chicago suburbs.

To support butterflies, while weather patterns are beyond control, there are actionable steps that can be taken. Monarchs rely on milkweed for egg-laying and caterpillar development, which is crucial for their lifecycle. Although planting multiple types of milkweed in butterfly gardens can attract adult butterflies, it does not guarantee the presence of eggs, as caterpillars might seek different food sources. Additionally, pesticide application in nearby areas could further diminish butterfly and caterpillar populations.

Monitoring environmental conditions, potential pesticide usage, and maintaining milkweed plants in gardens could help improve prospects for monarch butterflies and support their survival during critical seasonal phases.