Monarch Butterflies Are Easy To Raise
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Help Save The Monarch Butterfly
Photo credit- Paul B. Sutherland
My family lives in the country. And we love raising Monarch Butterflies. It's really quite easy to raise them at home. We've got milkweed growing in our butterfly garden in our backyard.
I just took some old milkweed pods in the fall and threw them on the ground. The next spring I had my own milkweed patch.
In early July, my 12, 10, and 8 year olds start looking for the eggs. Once you find the first one, they are quite easy to find.
A female Monarch will lay over 600 eggs. She will only lay them on the milkweed plant.
Here's more of the Monarch story.
Migration
One of the most incredible migration stories on this planet happens to be the Monarch Butterfly. The Monarch Butterfly travels thousands of miles in it's migration to Mexico. Go to www.monarchwatch.org This is an incredible site for school, home schoolers, and families that want to participate in a great science event. This is where I got started.
Chip Taylor has been the driving force at the University of Kansas. He has gotten thousands of schools involved in real science. The real science involves tagging the Monarch butterflies during their fall migration.
Each butterfly caught by my kids or students is tagged. A tiny tag, the size of a 3 ring binder hole is placed under the wing. The tags have information that can be sent back to the University of Kansas. This is real scientific data you just can't get from a book.
I've been fascinated by this remarkable insect. So I wanted to incorporate this into my science program in 5th grade. Each year my 5th graders hunt for the Monarch eggs and caterpillars and adults in August.
Roosting Sites
Some roosting sites are protected. The El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve in southeastern Michoacan, Mexico is an important Butterfly refuge.
These butterfly sanctuaries are where the butterflies migrate in the fall from up north to their winter roosting grounds.
It is an amazing migration story. A paper thin insect traveling thousands of miles to a place for the winter with no map. And the cool part is we can help the monarch and its survival.
We need your help.
Supplies
1. Small Tupperware bowls work great, or buy the plastic containers with lids and put a few small holes in the top.
2. Once the caterpillars hatch, they are hungry. I cut up small pieces of milkweed leaves to fit in the plastic bowl. Once they are about a half inch to an inch long, we transfer them to the bigger plastic container.
3. Be creative, any plastic container will work.
4. Once they get about 2 inches long, they will climb to the top of your holding container. KEY: They will grow and you will need to transfer the caterpillar to a larger container as they grow.
5. The caterpillars spin a silky web like pad on the roof of the container. They hook themselves up using hooks on their bottom. kind of like Velcro.
6. Once hooked, they curl up into a "J " shape.
7. They will shed their skin in a couple of hours and form a jade green chrysalis with a gold like chain around the top.
8. The monarch will emerge from its chrysalis 7-14 days later.
I will have updated photos soon. We have 4 chrysalises and 1 "J" and 3 little fellas.
Have fun raising your own Monarchs! This is a wonderful family experience.
Enjoy!
Kelly Wissink
Call 1-888-257-9138 for my Toll Free 24/7 recorded message sharing the details of my exciting Wahm business.
Table of Contents
- Monarch Watch Resources
- Monarch Butterfly Hatching
- Monarch Butterfly Tagging
- Get Started Tagging Your Monarch Butterflies
- Millions of Monarch Butterflies in Michocan, Mexico
- Don't Miss These Butterfly Sites!
- Here Are Some Of Our Monarch Babies
- Monarch Watch Butterfly Blog
- Monarch Butterfly Research
- Adopt An Online Monarch Butterfly
- Great Monarch Butterfly Books to Get You Started.
- Monarch Butterfly Flickr Photos
- Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in the News
- Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Among 8 New Natural Wonders
- How to Plant a Butterfly Garden
- What Host Plants Attract Butterflies
- Our Monarch Butterfly Nursery
- Moths and Butterflies on eBay
- The LARGEST Nature Store
- Wedding Butterflies
- Check Out These Other Butterfly and Moth Related Sites
- Google Monarch News Alert
- Monarch Butterfly Stories
- SquidBlogger
- Kelly's Other Top Ranked Lens
- Follow Curt and Kelly Wissink On Twitter
- Kelly Wissink Blog
Monarch Watch Resources
You Can Help Save The Monarch Butterfly
- Monarch Watch : Multimedia Gallery : Photos : Index
- Monarch Watch Multimedia Gallery
-Monarch Roosts
-Tagged Monarchs
-Milkweed
-Monarch Lifecycle
-other critters - Monarch Watch : Conservation
- Monarch populations are even more vulnerable in their overwintering sites. The sites have very particular environmental characteristics, and they are threatened by human activities in both Mexico and California.
- Monarch Watch : Conservation : Helping Monarchs
- The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Foundation (MBSF) is working to develop a model economic program by working with one ejido, a group of local families, that owns land in the Sierra Chincua sanctuary, the largest and most pristine Monarch overwintering area in Mexico. MBSF will tie economic aid, in the form of educational and economic development, to decreasing the number of trees cut in the forest.
The goal of the Michoacan Reforestation Fund and the La Cruz Habitat Protection Project is to work with the local landowners, the ejidatarios, to reforest their cleared lands in the monarch overwintering area. Reforestation is intended to provide a source of income for the ejidatarios and eliminate the pressure to continue logging in the locations used by overwintering Monarchs.
Adopt-A-Classroom is a program that Monarch Watch has initiated to provide educational materials and classroom supplies to the schools within the Monarch Reserve in Mexico. By helping these schools we can provide resources that were previously unavailable to these communities and we can show our concern and support for the conservation of the Oyamel fir forests and the Monarch butterflies that overwinter in this region. - Monarch Watch : Reading Room : Scientific Bibliography : Index
- The popular and scientific literature contains more than 3000 references to Monarch butterflies (L. P. Brower, pers com). This bibliography includes almost 1000 of the most important scientific papers published on this subject. The bibliography is organized by topics, but the topics are not mutually exclusive and many references appear in more than one place. Key words referring to major themes covered in the papers are given at the end of many of the references, these are intended to help you better identify the subjects discussed in the article. Although we have attempted to make this bibliography comprehensive, it is certainly not complete. If you are aware of important references which we've not listed, please send us your list and we will incorporate this information at a later date. These materials were compiled, organized and assembled by Chip Taylor, Sandra Perez and Kari Rogg.
- Monarch Watch : Reading Room : Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Monarch Watch : Rearing Monarchs : Overview
- This section contains practical tips on successfully rearing Monarchs, and ways in which you can increase your chances of observing the changes that occur during their metamorphosis. There are many ways to rear larvae; feel free to make modifications that work for you. If you plan on rearing large numbers, or more than one generation, you may have trouble with disease. To prevent this, sterilize all rearing containers between generations with a 10% bleach solution, and do not keep larvae in crowded conditions.
- Monarch Watch : Rearing Monarchs : Ideas for Cages
- Ideas for Cages
- Welcome to the Monarch Watch Shop
- Biggest Online Nature and Back Yard Store,Audubon Guides to plants and animals,bird watching books and gear,Petersons,Audobon,Butterfly items and Education Kits.
Get Started Tagging Your Monarch Butterflies
The information below was written by Monarch Watch.
Monarch Tagging Kits are available from the Monarch Watch Shop at 1-800-780-9986 or:
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.
Millions of Monarch Butterflies in Michocan, Mexico
Monarch Butterflies Migrate South to Winter Over In Mexico
Don't Miss These Butterfly Sites!
- Monarch Watch : Dedicated to Education, Conservation and Research
- Monarch Watch is a cooperative network of students, teachers, volunteers and researchers dedicated to the study of the Monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, and its spectacular fall migration.
- Monarch Butterflies
- Raising Monarch Butterflies
Would you like to try a rich and rewarding
experience? Want to feel like you are doing a part in conservation?
Try your hand at raising monarch butterflies. Many people across
the U.S. are doing just that. If you are nervous about raising butterflies,
you may want t - Live Monarch Living butterflies for every occassion. Free Milkweed Seeds
- The education, involvement, assistance and acknowledgment of persons directly acting to benefit the Monarch Butterfly and various native creatures who have suffered a decline in their natural habitats.
- His friends call him Spotty on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
- Smithsonian Museum Butterfly Pavilion
Here Are Some Of Our Monarch Babies
Monarch Watch Butterfly Blog
Monarch Butterfly Research
- Monarch Lab - Monarchs in the Classroom - University of Minnesota
- Welcome to the Monarch Lab website! Here you can learn about the University of Minnesota Monarch Lab, the Monarchs in the Classroom program, plus find lots of information about the Monarch Butterfly.
- Karen S. Oberhauser | Faculty | Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology | College of Natural Resources | University of Minnesota
- My students and I conduct research on several aspects of monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) ecology.
- Monarch butterflies - Abilene Christian University
- Monarch Butterflies
Abilene Christian University - Monarch Butterflies of Kentucky - University of Kentucky Entomology
- The Monarch, Danaus plexippus, is the only member of this family that occurs in Kentucky.
- Rice University Monarch Project: Mobile Networking Architectures
- The Rice Monarch Project researches issues in mobile and wireless networking,including areas from protocol design and implementation to
performance measurement and usage-based evaluation.
Adopt An Online Monarch Butterfly
- Live Monarch Online Butterfly Educational Experience
- Raise Your Online Butterfly! A Fun Free Educational Experience.
This 30 day program will give you professional insight and knowledge into all aspects of the life cycle of a Monarch.
This free educational experience is available year round...Sign up anytime! - Free Milkweed Seeds Live Monarch butterfly
- Monarchs need your help NOW! During the past few years, over 75% of the wintering Monarchs from North America froze to death in Mexico as a result of three days of rain and sub-freezing conditions. There is also a Nationwide shortage of milkweed. These freak weather patterns and destroyed habitats kill millions of helpless Monarchs. Habitat must be protected now to ensure their survival, before we see the day when this miracle of nature is only a memory. The Monarchs need your help NOW. Please plant seeds and ensure their survival. A Milkweed in every yard!
Great Monarch Butterfly Books to Get You Started.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in the News
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Among 8 New Natural Wonders
- Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Among 8 New Natural Wonders
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named eight new sites to the World Heritage list yesterday and Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere in Michoacan is among them. The biosphere is famous for the estimated 150 million monarch butterflies that migrate every fall from Canada creating a beautiful, orange, flowered effect on the trees there that actually bend under the weight of so many winged insects.
How to Plant a Butterfly Garden
- Butterfly Gardening
- Butterfly Gardening brings the "Wild Kingdom" into your yard and neighborhood. You don't have to watch a Nature Show on The Discovery Channel or travel for hours to a state park - you can experience it first-hand in your own butterfly garden.
I got involved in Butterfly Gardening through a need to learn about butterflies. As a professional speaker I use the Monarch Butterfly as a metaphor for people changing their lives.
Our Monarch Butterfly Nursery
Moths and Butterflies on eBay
The LARGEST Nature Store
- Nature Gift Store Company -LARGEST Selection of Nature Gifts!
- The Nature Store company offers a HUGE selection of nature-themed gifts for the home and garden. The best nature store items, prices and service online!
Wedding Butterflies
- Wedding Butterflies for Release by Swallowtail Farms - Butterfly Release For Weddings by Swallowtail Farms - wedding butterfly butterfly favor butterfly release at wedding butterfly decoration butterfly wedding theme butterfly wedding favor live butterfly unique wedding favor butterfly kit live butterfly kit butterfly party favor releasing butterfly butterfly wedding decoration butterfly themed wedding live butterfly release butterfly wedding accessory butterfly releasing wedding live wedding butterfly wedding monarch butterfly swallowtailfarms.com
- Butterfly Release for weddings by the Original Butterfly Company. Our premium live monarch butterflies are superior in quality and price. We also have butterfly favors and butterfly related products. Wedding butterflies decoration butterfly wedding theme butterfly wedding favor live butterfly.
- Live Monarch butterflies for event release, the perfect wedding guests.
- Include your guests or special family members in a Wish carried to the heavens by one or dozens of majestic Monarchs. This is a simple affordable and unforgettable memory which is quite easy to accomplish. Just open their envelopes or netting and make sure the cameras are ready. Butterflies need to be released outdoors with temperatures above 60 degrees and no heavy rains.
- Live Butterfly Release for Butterfly Weddings
- live butterfly releases for butterfly weddings and butterfly funerals. butterfly weddings, butterfly birthdays, butterfly memorials etc.
- Live Wedding Butterfly Release for Butterfly Weddings, Special Occasions, and Funerals or Memorials
- Live butterfly release for weddings, funerals or memorials, birthdays, and special occasions.
Check Out These Other Butterfly and Moth Related Sites
- World's Weirdest Moths
- Butterflies and moths belong to the order Lepidoptera, which is derived from the Greek words for "scaled wing." There are over 180,000 species in this order, only about 10 percent, however, are butterflies - the rest are moths. The first primitive moths evolved over 140 million years ago (butterflies, the belles of the ball, came fashionably late about 40 million years ago).
- Transparent Butterfly ~ Splendid Pictures Around The Net
- We all know butterflies are fragile, so fragile that if you accidentally held your palms over them too tight, you'd kill them. The color in them would literally rub off on your hands if you stroked their wings. The same goes for dragon flies. Well they're noisy of course but these are transparent. So it's not too difficult to imagine insects as transparent.
Google Monarch News Alert
- Monarch 'mother' coddles her young - Glenview Announcements [08-24-06]
- This time of year, Connie Yonan's house looks less like a home for people than a butterfly refuge.
In her Winnetka kitchen, living room and dining room, there are dozens of caterpillars in various stages of transformation into monarch butterflies. They're ensconced in glass globes from hurricane lamps, which are resting on plates, with wire mesh tucked around the tops.
Monarch Butterfly Stories
Share your Monarch Experiences.
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FlowerChick
Nov 26, 2010 @ 2:15 pm | delete
- I love Monarch butterflies - they are amazing and beautiful creatures. Nicely done lens! My brother raises them too in Florida. Lensrolled to my "Climbing Roses" site.
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betsuzie
Oct 11, 2010 @ 5:13 pm | delete
- I think Monarch butterflies are so beautiful. Great information. Loved this lens!
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ShamanicShift
Sep 17, 2010 @ 10:19 pm | delete
- This is a beautiful educational lens about these wondrous, beautiful aeronauts!
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ElizabethJeanAllen
May 25, 2009 @ 4:09 pm | delete
- Welcome to The Nature and the Outdoors Group
Lizzy
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naturegirl7 Feb 3, 2009 @ 7:06 pm | delete
- Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
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monarch13
Oct 15, 2008 @ 5:11 pm | delete
- After my own heart...5 stars and lensrolled
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bbug
Aug 18, 2008 @ 7:35 am | delete
- Love your lens, I am always trying to get photos of the monarch.
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jazzymomintx Jul 21, 2008 @ 11:59 pm | delete
- What great info! We bought a butterfly kit and watched butterflies hatched this year and my kids loved it. These projects are great for kids!
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enslavedbyfaeries
Jul 17, 2008 @ 7:13 pm | delete
- Another superb lens from you! I'm going to share this with my girls. They'll love learning all the interesting facts and ideas you shared here. 5*'s
You are invited to join my new group,Going Buggy! http://www.squidoo.com/groups/bugs-insects
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dandor
Jun 21, 2008 @ 8:14 am | delete
- Great lens, learnt a lot about the topic.
Definitely a 5 star for you.
Dan
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Curt and Kelly Wissink are teachers,gardeners,internet personal growth coaches, entrepreneurs, leaders in website development, and motivational speakers.Curt... more »
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