Mass Migration in California But Were They Monarch Butterflies? What Does the California Expert Think? We contacted Walt Sakai, Professor of Biology at Santa Monica College, to ask his opinion. He has been conducting research on monarch butterflies in California for nearly 20 years. Pay attention to the way he analyzes the situation. What words show that he remains opened-minded and skeptical at the same time? What evidence does he say he needs to confirm the reports? What Does the California Expert Think? What Does the "Painted Lady" Butterfly Expert Think? We also contacted Dr. Royce Bitzer, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University. He tracks the migration of Painted Lady butterflies in the way that Journey North tracks monarchs. What Does the "Painted Lady" Butterfly Expert Think? What Do the Michigan Students Think? Ms. Gradowski's sixth graders in Bay City, Michigan were in class when the telephone rang. It was Ms. G’s sister calling from California while she was driving through a swarm of butterflies! What was their conclusion? What Do the Michigan Students Think? Newspaper Stories After the Rains, Tiny Rainbows-- The storm-fed profusion of wildflowers means a riot of painted lady butterflies Painted ladies by the billions invade Solano, Yolo counties Try This! Practice With Butterfly Identification Here's a fun way to practice observation skills. Pull out your sketch pad and take a close look at these photos of a monarch, a painted lady, and other look-alike butterflies. Practice With Butterfly Identification      Monarch Danaus plexippus Photo Jim Gilbert Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Photo Peter J. Bryant Copyright 2005 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to jn-help@learner.org