Annual Life Cycle - Generation 2
Generation 1 | Generation 2 | Generations
3 & 4
Overview
Monarchs in Generation 2 are the grandchildren of the overwintering monarchs. They
are laid throughout much of eastern North America from late April through June.
They do not undergo reproductive diapause. Those laid in the southern part of their
range continue to migrate north.
Life Cycle Summary
Generation 2 larvae are widely distributed throughout the eastern United States,
first beginning to appear in the south in early May, and in the north in late May.
Eggs that become generation 2 may be laid as late as July in the north.
Generation 2 adults emerge in June and July, and mate and lay eggs soon after emerging.
Most of those that begin their lives in the south move north as adults, since the
southern summers are too hot and dry for their offspring. Those laid farther north
probably do not move far, and can use all of their energy to produce as many offspring
as possible.
Many members of Generation 2 eat milkweed species including A. syriaca (Common
Milkweed) and A. incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) as larvae.
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A. incarnata |
A. syriaca |