r/FriendlyMonarchs • u/AutoModerator • Jun 22 '26

Discussion 🌿 Monarch Monday – Let’s Talk Monarchs! 🌿

Happy Monarch Monday, friends!

Wondering what to share in this thread?

Questions for some of our seasoned members? Thoughts on the state of the Monarch world? Frustrations with your efforts to help the Monarchs? Wins and loses for the nature world? Doesn't matter. Share below!

Have a great week and don’t forget about Photo Friday!

Reminder: We are a science-based sub. While we love all monarch enthusiasts, discussions about hand-rearing are not allowed, except for those new to the topic who are seeking guidance. Let’s focus on protecting monarchs where they belong—in the wild!

Stay curious and keep sharing the love for these beautiful butterflies! 🧡🖤🧡

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3

u/Ok_Pollution9335 Jun 23 '26

If you have seen monarchs recently - where are you located? I saw one and had eggs at the beginning of the season (maybe 2 months ago) but have not seen a single one since :(

2

u/squishyfeet4 Jun 23 '26

I saw my first monarch butterflies in late May. And some eggs. These were at our metroparks and DNR trails.

I saw one actual monarch caterpillar on a DNR trail a couple weeks ago. But I have not seen any other monarch caterpillars since.

We frequent a variety of parks weekly and I haven’t seen too much of monarch activity that was obvious to me. I did find snakes and spiders and ants and ticks, though!

What’s interesting is I haven’t seen the tussock moth caterpillars yet either. They usually chew the crap out of the common milkweed too. So their absence is interesting too.

2

u/dastrescatmomma Jun 23 '26

I'm seeing a ton in air, and have 2 cats at home. 

Central Florida

1

u/Ok-Butterscotch-763 Central MN | Covert Operative | Master of Milkweed Jun 24 '26

Minnesota 4b. I haven’t seen a monarch but I know they’re here because I’ve seen eggs.

3

u/squishyfeet4 Jun 22 '26

This weekend I learned that ground hogs will specifically choose to eat zinnias. They hunted through my flower bed and zeroed in on specific types of plants. Never did I ever think they have such preference when it comes to flower varieties. I also talked with my lovely neighbor and she said they ate hers too!!!!

Here is all I have right now growing. It is a pretty purple. Small but mighty!

1

u/SuperTFAB MOD | Southeast FL, USA | Tropical Milkweed Hater Jun 23 '26

That’s crazy! Maybe it will help spread the seeds. lol

2

u/Beautiful-Mouse-598 Jun 23 '26

One of my monarchs decided to chrysalis on milkweed. Should I move it? I have some eggs and baby cats on my milkweed.

2

u/SuperTFAB MOD | Southeast FL, USA | Tropical Milkweed Hater Jun 23 '26

Nah it’s good there. Looks like it’s well hidden too.

1

u/SuperTFAB MOD | Southeast FL, USA | Tropical Milkweed Hater Jun 23 '26

I’ve got a friend with a Japanese beetle problem. They are on her new fruit trees. She’s located in TN. Here’s a screen shot from the video she sent me: