How can we learn more about the relationship between migration and Monarch size and mass?
• Are there differences between males and females? • Are Monarchs collected earlier in the year larger and heavier than those collected later? • Are the Monarchs reaching your area different from those of other locations on the migration route? • How many Monarchs do you need to weigh and measure before you can answer any of these questions? Two are too few and thousands are too many. Samples of any size will help us, but with samples of at least 6 males and 6 females, or better 10 or 20, you can obtain averages for each group and make comparisons yourself. Also, send your data to us and we will summarize the patterns of size and weight gain or loss. How do you capture a butterfly? See the advice in the tagging section. Briefly: Use a butterfly collecting net to sweep down on Monarchs as they visit flowers or rest on trees for the night. 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 b
