How to Tag
Tagging kits from Monarch Watch start at $15. To order supplies, visit http://shop.monarchwatch.org, or call toll-free 800-780-9986.
- Tagging a butterfly is less difficult than it sounds, and it’s fun. If you handle a butterfly with reasonable care, you won’t harm it. The tag doesn’t interfere with vigor or flight—it accounts for only about 2 percent of a butterfly’s weight. It’s easiest to net monarchs while they feed on flowers. Remove the butterfly from the net by gripping the leading edge of the wings between your thumb and forefinger. Use your free hand to apply the tag to the largest ovalish “cell” on the underside of either hind wing, then release the butterfly. Tagging kits contain thorough instructions. A reminder: Don’t use pesticides in your butterfly garden, and don’t wear insect repellent while tagging butterflies.
- An easy way to collect butterflies for tagging is to raise the caterpillars. You’ll first need “host” plants to invite monarchs to lay eggs in your garden. Monarch caterpillars feed only on plants in the milkweed family. Commercial nurseries sell many types of milkweed, including the popular orange-flowered butterfly weed. Or you can start seeds indoors, then set out plants. Once you find caterpillars on your plants, bring them inside and feed them fresh milkweed leaves. Caterpillars will eventually enter a pupal stage or chrysalis, from which the adult butterfly will later emerge. For more information about raising monarchs, go to www.monarchwatch.org
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