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Discussion of Challenge Question #7 Dr. Chip Taylor Monarch Watch Journey North received a report of 50 monarchs arriving in Florida (Panama City Beach, west of Tallahassee) from the Gulf. The condition of these butterflies was not reported and without a specimen or two (to establish their geographic origin as larvae, i.e. with isotopes) we can't tell whether these butterflies: Emerged as adults along the coast, Moved along the coast all the way from the Mexican overwintering sites, Or less likely, crossed the Gulf of Mexico from the Mexican states of Veracruz or Tamaulipas. Crossing the Gulf would probably entail sustained flight of 48 hours and as far as we know there is no evidence that monarchs fly at night. Editor's Note: Students are invited to participate in the Monarch Watch Isotope Study. If you would like more information about determining geographic origins of larvae though this study, see: Monarch Watch Isotope Study