Why do we tag Monarchs?
Many questions remain unanswered about the fall migration of the monarch population east of the Rocky Mountains. How do the monarchs move across the continent, i.e. do they move in specific directions or take certain pathways? How is the migration influenced by the weather and are there differences in the migration from year to year? We need data to answer these questions and we need your help! Only through the cooperative efforts of volunteer taggers will we be able to obtain sufficient recoveries and observations of the migration to answer these questions. Because monarchs have a certain "charisma" and a fascinating biology and because its fun to have an excuse to collect butterflies, this project is also a good way to introduce students to science and have them contribute to a scientific study. Through participation in this project we also hope to further interest in the conservation of habitats critical to the survival of the monarch butterfly and its magnificent migrations.

When do you tag Monarchs?
As the length of daylight shortens in mid August and September, monarchs in northern latitudes, i.e. near the Canadian border, begin to migrate. Monarchs farther south will begin their journey a few weeks later. Tagging and monitoring should begin in late August in all regions, with a concentrated effort made in September and early October. A GOOD RULE: when the wild asters, especially A. novae-angliae, goldenrod and Joe Pye weed are in bloom, the monarchs are migrating. In much of the lower midwest, migrating monarchs are attracted in large numbers to a tall late blooming thistle (Cirsium altissimum) several species of sunflowers and other species of Asteraceae.

Additionally, you can determine the estimated peak of the migration in your area based on latitude:

The New and Improved Tagging Method
We have adopted a tagging system in which the tag is placed over the large, mitten shaped cell (discal cell) on the underside of the hindwing of the monarch.

This method has proven to be very effective - the rate of tag recovery seems to be higher than for monarchs tagged on the wing margins (an older method). The discal cell position is closer to the center of lift and gravity for the butterfly and will not impede flight. More importantly, this tagging method appears to be less harmful to the butterflies.

In 1997, we developed new all-weather polypropylene tags. They are numbered specifically for the each tagging season. The new tags are round (9mm in diameter) rather than oblong or rectangular as in previous years. The tagging method is quite simple - remove a tag from the backing, place it over the discal cell and position the balls of your thumb and forefinger over the discal cells on both side of the butterfly, press firmly for two seconds and release the butterfly after recording the tag number and other information on the datasheet.

How old do you have to be to do this?
Some teachers have expressed concern regarding the participation of young children (second graders and up) in the tagging project. As it turns out, tagging can actually be easier with the aid of very small finger tips! Some adults and teachers found that if they held the butterfly, the children were actually more adept at applying the tags than they were and we've even had reports of 4 year olds helping by learning how to identify the "boy and girl" butterflies.

How do you capture a butterfly?
You can purchase a good butterfly net or make one. The net should be at least 24 inches deep, allowing you to trap the butterfly in the deep end of the net without harming it. Don't bother buying a cheap "kids" net as they generally will result in damage to butterflies.

Good quality nets (item#120003) are available from the Monarch Watch Shop at 1-800-780-9986 or online at:

When in flight, Monarchs are very wary, elusive and difficult to catch. To maximize the number of Monarchs collected for tagging, it's best to locate Monarchs feeding on flowers or while they are on the roosts late in the day or early in the morning. Approach each butterfly slowly (from behind if possible) as sudden movement will startle it into flight. Sweep the net forward quickly and flip the end of the net bag over the net handle.

You want the butterfly in the deep end of the net. With one hand holding the handle, use the other hand to collapse the end of the net. There should be enough space at the deep end to prevent damaging the butterfly.

Flatten the net bag so the wings of the butterfly are closed over its back (thorax) and place thumb and forefinger over the leading edge of the wings (from outside of net). Next, with the thumb and forefinger of your other hand, reach in to the net and firmly grasp the thorax. Remove the butterfly for tagging.

If you want to make a net, you'll need some simple supplies:

1. a wooden handle (a large dowel cut into various kid- and adult-sized lengths works well)
   
   
2. a wood carving tool (a sharp penknife will work)
   
   
3. 8 gauge wire for the rim of the net (or a wire hanger)
   
   
4. wire or cord to fasten the rim to the handle
   
   
5. netting to make the bag (try asking for bridal veil material at a craft or fabric shop)
   
   
6. needle and thread (a sewing machine would be very useful)
   
   
7. muslin fabric
   
   
8. a drill

Cut grooves in opposite sides of the end of the wooden handle. The grooves should be approximately 2 inches long on one side and approximately 3 inches long on the other side (Figure A). Drill holes through the handle about halfway along each groove.

Cut the netting in a W-shape (Figure D), where the top of the W is the circumference of the rim. Cut a strip of muslin about three inches wide and as long as the circumference of the net. Fold it in half and sew it to the top of the W; this should create a muslin sleeve attached to the netting, which is where the wire forming the net rim will go. Sew the bag closed (Figure E).

Slide the 18 gauge wire through the muslin sleeve of the bag. Shape it into the net's rim, a loop with ends (Figure B). These ends should fit into the grooves and drilled holes of the wooden handle. Fasten the rim to the handle by wrapping around the end of the handle with thin wire or heavy cord (Figure C).

How do you store live Monarchs?
If you collect more monarchs than you can tag immediately, you can store them in a paper triangle or glassine envelope (stamp envelope). If you need to store the butterfly for more than a few hours, i.e. overnight or up to 2 days, place the envelope in a plastic box or zip lock bag in a refrigerator. They'll be fine! Be sure to keep the butterflies in envelopes out of the sun before you refrigerate them and to keep the butterfly from drying out and dying, place a damp paper towel in the container.

If you collect more monarchs than you can tag immediately, you can store them in a paper triangle or glassine envelope (stamp envelope). If you need to store the butterfly for more than a few hours, i.e. overnight or up to 2 days, place the envelope in a plastic box or zip lock bag in a refrigerator.

Is a journal helpful?
Some of our most useful information has been obtained from individuals who simply maintain a Monarch journal, diary or calendar. In these journals records are kept of the first appearance of migratory monarchs (those showing strong directional rather than local flight), and the numbers seen each day, particularly at a roost or roosts, or on flowers in a garden, etc. Many Monarch Watchers obtain very good quantitative data by counting the numbers of monarchs passing a given observation site each hour. It would also be useful to record the numbers of mating pairs seen along with the dates and circumstances of these observations.