Monarch butterfly caterpillars like this one have been seen in higher than typical numbers, compared to recent years, in some areas. However, others in the region have told me they have seen a total of zero. It seems to be a year of dissenting data. Even last week at a meeting of naturalists from across the Chautauqua-Allegheny region we had some people excitedly reporting improved Monarch numbers while others dolefully spoke of few or none. The butterflies continue to be seen here and there and you should keep an eye out for them during this migratory period. I will be surveying the shores of Connecticut soon hoping to see some of the larger numbers that usually occur during their southbound fall movement.
