Naturally Kiawah Magazine Volume 41 | Page 53

It’s actually pretty easy to determine the gender of a monarch (see photos top right): • • Males have two black spots (one on each side) visible on the topside of their hind wings. • • Veining on their wings is thinner than on females. • • Females do not have the two black spots. • • Veining on their wings is thicker than on males. WINTER/SPRING 2019 • VOLUME 41 Male identified by two spots on hind wings and thin black veining. Female identified by absence of two spots and thicker black veining. Photo Tagging of monarchs continues today as we look to add to our understanding of these colorful creatures and seek ways to ensure their survival. In fact, tagging has gained momentum with citizen scientists contributing significantly to the effort. Volunteers are tagging monarchs throughout the Lowcountry. Here on Kiawah Island naturalists at the Heron Park Nature Center have been tagging for three years. From November to April, Kiawah naturalists go in search of monarchs armed with nets, log sheets, tags and a great deal of patience. When a butterfly is captured, it is gently removed from the net holding all 4 wings firmly between 2 fingers. Minimal handling is always the intention in order to limit damage. However, the wings, which appear delicate, are in fact remarkably resilient. Taggers record location and conditions of the capture and make note of the gender before they place a tiny, lightweight tag on the underside of the hind wing. Specifically, it is placed over a mitten-shaped cell close to the center of gravity where it will not impede flight. Then they release the butterfly to exactly the place it was captured. Tagging is successful only on mild days with little wind. When the temperatures drop below 60 degrees, monarchs remain clustered high up in trees in a form of hibernation. When the weather warms and the sun comes out, they shake their wings and head out probably looking for a bit of nourishment. And then, by late spring they are gone. Another forty years have passed since Dr. Urquhart first tracked that monarch to the remote mountains of Mexico, and there is still much we don’t know. Scientists continue to seek clues as to why a cold, seemingly inhospitable place in Mexico is the winter home for millions of monarchs. While we have often spotted monarchs on Kiawah, usually during the peak migration months of October and November, we are just now beginning to document their presence along the southeastern coast during the winter and perhaps during their breeding cycle. Data gained will add to our understanding of the impact habitat destruction and climate change may have. It also should clarify what adjustments we need to make to stem the declines. Meanwhile, plant native milkweed in a sunny spot in your yard to draw monarchs whenever they are here and maybe even provide a spot for another generation of monarchs to grow. Other butterflies and hummingbirds will thank you as well. NK Female with tag on underside of hind wing. How to find native milkweed Interactive native plant finders are helpful. Using your zip code you can search plants for your area, create a list for your use, and determine what wildlife has co- evolved with a particular plant and will benefit from it. Some list local sources and contact information. • • National Wildlife (based on the work of Dr. Doug Tallamy): www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/ • • Audubon Society: www.audubon.org/native-plants • • The Town of Kiawah has a Native Plants Database: www.kiawahisland.org/plants-database/ The unusual life cycle of the monarch butterfly Four generations make up one full year cycle. Each generation completes one leg of the annual migration, deposits eggs on milkweed and dies, leaving the completion of the journey to subsequent generations. • • The adult that migrates south and hibernates has a life span of six to nine months. • • His/Her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren, will each live only six to 10 weeks as they travel north. • • Each generation goes through the same four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and butterfly (adult). 51