Monarch Tagging Program

[beetlehorn]

I have recently joined Monarchwatch, whereupon I ordered a Monarch tagging kit. Today I tagged the first two Monarchs (Danaus plexippus), recorded the information on the sheet they supply in the kit, and released them immediatly after they were tagged. I am starting a Monarch Way Station by planting various nectaring plants such as Wild Bergamot, Mountain Mint, Ironweed, and Joe-Pye weed. Most importantly though I am starting several dozen Milkweed plants for the next summer. I hope to attract female Monarchs to oviposit, so I can rear several for release. Below is a link to the site, and by contacting them you will be able to get Milkweed seeds to plant for yourself, if you want to help out this butterfly.

monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/free-milkweeds-schools-nonprofits/

[beetlehorn]

Today I went for a drive and spotted several Monarchs flying and nectaring. I managed to capture a very fresh male, so fresh it looks like ex-pupae. Anyhow I tagged him and recorded the data on the Monarchwatch sheet. I have been testing each specimen for the OE spore- which is deadly to Monarchs, and so far all have been clean. Here is a pic of the one I tagged and released today.