Can a Late-Season Monarch Make it to Mexico?

Monarch Butterflies

Can a Late-Season Monarch Make it to Mexico?
True Stories About Tagged Monarchs

Tagged by Mrs. Kloewer's Class in York, Nebraska

When fall weather suddenly turns cold, many students write to say they're worried about butterflies they're raising in their classrooms. Is it possible for a late-season monarch to make it to Mexico?

You can answer this question for yourself by studying tagging data. Tag recoveries are posted on the Monarch Watch site. (A "recovery" means the tagged butterfly was recaptured.)

Look through the records and find recoveries of monarchs that were tagged in your state or province.

Monarch Watch Tag Recovery Data

Journaling Questions

Of the tagged monarchs that were recovered Mexico, what's the latest date one was tagged?
Do you think it's possible for a late season monarch to make it?
Is it likely? Explain your thinking.

National Science Education Standards

Science as Inquiry
Use data to conduct a reasonable explanation. (K-4)

Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence. (5-8)

National Geography Standards

The World in Spatial Terms
How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information.