Date: 09/28/2017

Number: 1

Released the last of our captive-reared Monarch butterflies today! It was a male, one of the few males reared and released this season, most were females. Weather cooled substantially since yesterday and was in the low 60s when the butterfly was taken outdoors for release. Not sure what minimum body temperature is required for flight, but it appeared the Monarch went through a brief period of shivering thermogenesis to warm up the flight muscles, just before it took off. Have not observed this behavior previously.

Buffalo, NY

Latitude: 43 Longitude: -78.8

Observed by: Michael
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.