minimum time after emerging

[chanceychelsey]

What is the minimum time after emerging that I can tag my butterflies? I have had several come out around noon. They are itching to get going, but I believe I have to give them some more time before tagging.
I know it might be a bit early to tag (I am at 44N) but I have ordered more tags so I won't be short. Since they are congregating at Point Pelee already, I don't want to miss tagging anyone who might be on the start of their journey.
Thanks
Tottenham, Ontario
Waystation 927

[Mona Miller]

Tagging also gives an idea of where they travel. Many tags are picked up along the migration route. If they come out in the afternoon, I'd wait until the next day to tag. Give them a good 24 hours to dry their wings. If you tag too early, the tags won't stick properly. And, giving them a little more time helps them to be ready for the wild, wild world. You might have to keep them in a dark room to keep them from breaking their wings. Later in the day, I would mist the cage to provide them with some water, but you don't need to feed them the first day.

But, if the weather is not cooperating and you have a sunny day, but the next day will be rainy, I'd wait a few hours and tag and let them go. They need at least 2 hours to dry their wings, but this depends on how cool you keep it inside.