Observation date: September 09, 2018
Submitted by: WINGSaloftinKS
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Came across some monarchs mating on an orange milkweed plant. There was the one "on top" and its mate appeared to be lying on its back. After about 2 or 3 minutes of shifting positions, the one always-on-top flew---with its mate still attached, just hanging upside down---to a nearby shrub. They remained there for another 3 minutes or so, then the same one flew again, this time up higher into a tree, again still mating with its mate attached in flight. There, they both lied down on their sides, still attached and mating. It appeared to me that the color in both of their wings got a little paler through the process (not from my photos, but actual observation)?--and by the time they were in the tree, both seemed tired. Also, I noticed the one who wasn't flying, looked like it had pollen--or something else?--all over its thorax and head. Total time I spent observing this process was about 8-10 minutes, and then let them alone up in the tree, still mating when I left. Each were large, approx. 4-4.25" wingspans. Weather: Very nice, approx. 80 degrees, blue skies with a few clouds, light winds.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stomlins701
Verified date: September 10, 2018
Coordinator notes: None.
