What
the Experts Think
The
migrating butterflies are not monarch butterflies. They are a
smaller species of butterfly called the "Painted Lady." The
Painted Lady butterfly does appear suddenly in the spring by the millions,
especially in the west.
What
were the best clues?
- The
number of butterflies observed: People
usually see no more than 1-2 monarchs migrating at a time in the spring,
especially in California. If you had no other clues, the number of butterflies
being observed in California is enough to make you suspicious.
- The
size of the butterflies observed: Although we did not receive
a picture of the butterflies that were migrating in California, several
observers mentioned their small size. This graphic shows the actual
size of each species.
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