Bleached-out and tattered Monarchs in my garden

[Andrea]

Does anyone know why I just started seeing bleached out butterflies and tattered butterflies in my garden the past few days???? I was shocked at how bleached out the one I just saw now. There was hardly any colour at all on its wings. I ran into my house to grab a camera but I can't find the Monarch now. Is there a migration occurring or just storms bring them in?

I'm open to any ideas right now.

Jim - any ideas? I heard on the radio a few days ago that we are getting some odd wind/storm patterns. I think I heard that the usual summer east to west wind flow over central florida haven't kicked in yet and the early afternoon/lunch storms we are getting now are due to winds from the south.

[cathy]

maybe it's an older b'fly. Sometimes I feel the way your monarch looks!!!

[Andrea]

Cathy,

I guess I got a little confused on seeing the bleached-out/tattered wings of the butterflies visiting my garden. I thought I had read somewhere that it was the fall migrating butterflies that lived for an extended period of time (and exhibited the bleached out wings if they lived for an extended period of time) and that the spring and summer butterflies have much shorter live cycles. I may have that all mixed up. I have a bad case of hayfever right now so that would explain why I'm getting these "duh" moments!

[Jim]

Even spring/summer monarchs can appear tattered, worn and faded...it all depends on what they've been up to For example, females that have spent a good portion of their lives laying eggs in a milkweed patch are likely to beat their wings against a lot of plants, causing a loss of scales and tattered edges...

You're right about the lifespan of the migratory generation though - 7-9 months versus the ~1 month of the spring/summer reproductive generations.

[chanceychelsey]

I know I am quite early on this one, but I wanted to find out the information ahead of time so I will be ready. When my butterflies emerge in late August, I realize these and the ones in September will be the ones I will be tagging. As I have not tagged before, I wanted to know how long I have to leave them so their wings are hardened off so I don't damage them. Where specifically should I be placing the tag? Can I then release them right away, after they are tagged?
Thanks
Waystation 927, Tottenham, Ontario