30 April 2004

Monarch butterflies slow to appear

Sightings of monarch butterflies have been scarce along one of their principal flyways in Central Texas this spring.

Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch provides details about the sharply reduced numbers of monarchs arriving from Mexico on the Monarch Watch web site.

Monarchs are the only known migratory insects in the U.S. They have stronger wings than other butterflies, and they migrate farther than many birds. All this fascinates children as much as adults.

Milkweed plants are key to the survival of the monarch. Landowners can provide an important boost for the monarchs by not mowing native pastures until summer. If mowing is necessary, setting the height of the cut for 15 centimeters (6 inches) or more will protect most milkweeds.

Citizen scientists have made invaluable contributions to monarch butterfly surveys and to efforts to inform the public about monarchs. The Monarch Watch web site (www.MonarchWatch.org) provides considerable information, migration maps and details about how to become involved tagging monarchs.

Forrest M. Mims III