We experienced a prolonged drought from November until March. The ground dried dramatically and plants suffered. Water was scarce and several town supplies in the region ran dry. We collect our own water from the roof, but with no rain for months we had to buy it in.
With everything in such a dry state it was noticed that butterflies, of all types, were just not around. I think I saw about four Monarch butterflies over that time and perhaps only that many of other butterfly types.
But now, as our Summer fades and rain has come, plants are rejuvenating and a few butterflies are now being seen.
Two days ago I found a 3rd instar Monarch caterpillar on our milkweed and yesterday I found four Monarch eggs. I have taken them all indoors, to grow safely under cover. Today the caterpillar shed its skin into it's 4th instar and two of the eggs hatched.