Note About Early Sightings in Southern States:
Monarchs aren't typically seen until mid-August in the south. It is not certain whether these late-summer sightings are early migrants coming down from the north, and/or members of the local population. (With each new generation there is an increase in monarch numbers. This could explain the butterflies’ sudden appearance.) Regardless of their origin, these butterflies are reproductive. Females are laying eggs and will produce a fall generation. Butterflies of this last generation will add to the migration moving southward to Mexico.

Migration Highlight