How to tag a butterfly

Please read this page carefully. It will tell you how to tag a butterfly and also how to record your releases.

Your tags are being issued and will be sent by regular mail so watch for the postie! If you have any questions please email Jacqui ().

You are VERY unlikely to hurt a butterfly while tagging although everyone is anxious the first time. Wash your hands and rinse them well first. Be gentle but firm. When a butterfly emerges (or ecloses) its wings will be damp. All of the haemolymph inside the butterfly's abdomen will be pumped into the wings, and they need time to harden up. A few hours later you will notice the butterfly will be opening and closing its wings, preparing for flight. This is a good time to tag!

You can tag wild caught monarchs as well as ones you have raised.

HOW TO TAG

Check out this video here for an explanation of the tagging process.

Note:

* Tags no longer come in plastic bags
* It is easier to work with cool butterflies, and indoors.

Other methods of holding the butterfly/tagging.

RECORD YOUR RELEASE

When you tag your butterfly you will record it here: Recording Releases .

We urge you to record the release as soon as possible after the release. It is better to do it at the time while the information is fresh in your mind. This other information will be useful for our research analysts.

• Male/female
• Sunshine/cloud (best guess)
• Wind (best guess)
• Departure behaviour (interesting observations)

Please bookmark the page for Recording Releases so you can easily use it each time you do a release.

PRACTICE BUTTERFLIES

There is a template here if you wish to practise tagging with your class, using dot stickers (8mm) available from a stationery store.