Why didn't our tag stick?

[children's center]

Here at our elementary school we’ve been tagging monarchs for the last two years. Yesterday we had a mishap. The tag seemed to stick, then came off all at once, taking off many scales and leaving a circle on the wing that was grayish and shiny.

It flew healthily after spending about 20 to 30 seconds resting on a child’s arm and opening and closing its wings a few times, but we all feel bad leaving it at a disadvantage on its migratory flight.

Has anyone else ever had problems with tags not sticking?

[Jim]

Were you using tags you received from us this year? The adhesive does have a shelf life, which is why we prefer you do not use old tags. Also, you need to make sure you press the tag onto the wing firmly so that the adhesive makes good contact with the wing membrane; if pressure is not used the tag could just sit on top of the scales and eventually (or immediately) fall off.

Your critter shouldn't be at too much of a disadvantage so don't sweat it

[Tuesday Warley]

I had a new tag that wouldnt stick also. I tried again and did the same , left a circle shape and scales ended up on sticky part. I decided this butterfly may have been slightly still damp. After that I wait till wings are really dry looking and pumping is faster. Give it a quick stick without hesitation. That also could of been the reason.....

[Mona Miller]

I had a new tag that wouldnt stick also. I tried again and did the same , left a circle shape and scales ended up on sticky part. I decided this butterfly may have been slightly still damp. After that I wait till wings are really dry looking and pumping is faster. Give it a quick stick without hesitation. That also could of been the reason.....

I agree. You should wait at least 24 hours before you apply tags. This will give the butterfly a chance to really dry its wings. They usually do not want to eat that first day. I think nature provides them with a supply of food that will tide them over when they first hatch. I do mist the sides of the cage so that they can have some humidity.

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarc ... gFink.html
If you need to keep them more than 24 hours, here is a video/photos by Linda Fink (Lincoln Brower's wife) that will show you how to uncoil the probosis. I feed them gatorade or juicy, juicy.