Help the Monarchs as they migrate south this year

During the fall months, you may see an increase in the numbers of butterflies flying through your yard. Some of these are on their way southward, to spend the cooler months in more hospitable climes. Notably the Monarch, which can travel thousands of miles to the overwintering sites in Central Mexico, is the best-known migrant. To reach its destination, you can help it on its way by having nectar-rich flowers in your yard. The adult butterflies nectar on certain plants to keep up their strength for the long journey. Some of the best fall-blooming nectar plants include Joe Pye weed, New England aster, Goldenrod, Chrysanthemum, Zinnia, Mexican Sunflower, and Buddleia (Butterfly Bush). The "fall" Monarchs will not be mating or laying eggs to produce another generation; they are simply interested in flying to Mexico before the weather conditions are prohibitive. Help the Monarchs this year by planting a few nectar plants. Your assistance will be appreciated!

An article about wedding butterfly releases

Check this out:

http://weddingandpartynetwork/blog/

Butterfly Garden for Christmas gifts

It's time to think of your gardener friends and loved ones! Give them the gift they will enjoy for years to come. Social Butterflies offers "Wing It!" kits for those who love butterflies and want to attract them to their yards. The kit includes detailed instructions on the requirements of butterflies, how to attract many different species, and 10 packets of free, organically-grown seeds guaranteed to entice lots of beautiful butterflies next season. Only $25.00, shipping included. Please see www.socialbtrflies.com/gardening.html for further information. You may also call Social Butterflies at 434.823.3666 to order.

Last Variegated Frit of the season

I released the last Variegated Fritillary two days ago. Two had formed their chrysalises over a month ago and they were kept in the coolness of the garage. Since it was a warm day with the promise of a few more warm days, I released it. There are still chrysanthemums blooming, so there are a few nectar sources left. The tropical milkweed and lantana has frozen. The passionvine is also about gone for this year. It has been a good butterfly season here in Central Virginia.

Monarch Watch wants school participation in space shuttle

Monarch caterpillars will be sent to the International Space Station on Nov. 16 in a small rearing chamber. This chamber will be placed in an incubator where the developing monarchs will be monitored. Still and video cameras will continually capture images, which will be made available online.

If a school or classroom (east of the Rocky Mtns) wants to participate, please contact monarch@ku.edu before 5 p.m. this Friday (Nov. 6). Monarch Watch will send a special monarch larva kit to participating schools. The kit costs $17.95 and the overnight shipping will be an additional $26, for a total of $43.95. The kit consists of (6) 3rd instar larvae on artificial diet and additional cups of diet. Three larvae will be loaded into the rearing chamber. Additional instructions will be provided regarding feeding. Material is included regarding monarchs as they face a nearly weightless environment of the ISS.

If your school is chosen, the students will be able to follow the shuttle mission to the space station and the development of the monarchs in space for at least two weeks. Contact Monarch Watch for more info.

A wedding butterfly release

Here's a blog that discusses a couple who released butterflies at their wedding:
heatherhelvey.blogspot.com/2009/11/wedding-butterflys.html

Social Butterflies' last monarch!

My last raised Monarch of 2009 finally emerged today. I will release it in two days when the sun returns and it is a bit warmer. I don't have any more tags left to tag it, but I will wish it adios and good luck on its journey to Mexico. I have conducted numerous Monarch tagging classes this fall and they are becoming more popular with library patrons, school children, and anyone who is interested in Monarch migration. I also gave a program at the Association For Butterflies symposium last weekend on migration and the attendees were able to tag their own Monarchs. Since it was chilly and overcast, I sent them south with one of the directors of the Association to release them where it was warmer. I collected common milkweed seeds yesterday in the field. It will be about 6 more months before I'll start raising Monarchs again.