In 1937, Frederick Urquhart was the first scientist to tag monarch butterflies in a quest to learn about their migration. In the 1950’s, he recruited a handful of volunteers to help in the tagging and monitoring efforts. Today, Kansas University continues Urquhart's work through its citizen science project called Monarch Watch.
Research Goal
"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!"
– from the Monarch Watch website
Project URL
http://www.monarchwatch.orgHow You Can Participate/What You Will Do
During the fall migration of the monarch butterflies (late August to October), you will catch and tag monarchs as they make their way to Mexico. The butterflies are then released to continue their migration. Each monarch is given a unique tag number. If the same butterfly is caught again along the migration route, this gives scientists valuable information about its path and progress. Monarchs are easiest to catch when they are roosting early or late in the day, or when they are feeding on flowers.
What You Will Need to Know to Participate
To help scientists learn more about monarchs and their migration, you'll need to recognize monarch butterflies, of course. The tags must be placed on the discal cell, a mitten-shaped cell on the monarch's hindwing; the Monarch Watch website provides directions to help you identify this anatomical feature.
Kid Friendly?
Yes.Skills Required
Ability to catch, tag, and release monarch butterfliesEquipment Required
- Monarch tags and data sheet* (purchased from Monarch Watch website)
- Butterfly net*
- Journal or notebook
Items marked with an asterisk (*) are necessary to participate.
