Monarch Tagging Data Published

Monarch butterflies migrate up north from Mexico in the spring. Photo Credit: Canva

Annually, millions of monarch butterflies embark on a rigorous journey during fall migration, traveling over 2,000 miles from the Northern U.S. and Canada to the Southern U.S. and Mexico. It takes four generations of monarchs to migrate down south and then return north. The last generation can live up to eight months. Monarchs play a vital role in our ecosystems as essential pollinators, supporting the fertilization of various plants. Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, milkweed shortage, and pesticides.

Since their decline, multiple conservation efforts have been put into effect including the Monarch Watch Tagging Program, founded in 1992. This program relies heavily on citizen science where volunteers capture, tag, and release monarchs. Tagging kits can be obtained from monarchwatch.org and include small circular sticker tags, along with a datasheet to record the tag code, date, sex, and location of each monarch. This information helps researchers track their migration patterns, population trends, and survival rates. Tagging monarchs is a simple process that involves gently placing a tag onto a large mitten-shaped cell, called the discal cell, near the base of the wing. Once the tag is secured firmly, the butterfly can be released.

In September and October, the Center offered programs teaching the public about monarch biology and migration. The Center and our patrons captured and tagged about 30 butterflies. This spring, help monarchs by planting milkweed and native pollinator-friendly plants to restore their habitat. You can check monarchwatch.org/tagging to review the hundreds of tagged butterflies observed by citizen scientists.