Rearing the migrating generation inside or out

[Judy Molnar]

Have monarchs that have been raised indoors under classroom conditions, then tagged and released, ever had tags recovered from Mexico?

Each fall we are torn between raising the caterpillars outside in natural day length and temperatures, or rearing cats in an indoor exhibit where staff can better care for them and the public can better watch them grow. Can cats raised either way migrate and make it to Mexico or do they need the shorter days and outside temperatures to be thrown into migration mode?

We've only gotten one recovery since 1996 and we didn't note which way that one was raised.

Any data on that from other experienced taggers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Judy Molnar

[drader]

I had four recovered in Mexico last year, and another one three years ago. All were raised indoors in West Virginia; they were released in September.

[monarchrose]

That is a great question! I have wondered the same thing myself. Of course, 'inside or out', is not as important as length of daylight hours. I know that light has an amazing effect on many types of plants, and some varieties of birds. In the classroom, everyone goes home at 4 or 5 and the lights go out at dusk. so caterpillars raised there are getting natural light. At home, the lights might be on until 10 or 11. I began putting my "home" caterpillars out-of-doors for the last brood or if indoors, I try to have lights out at dusk. I have no idea if it makes a difference with Monarch caterpillars. Probably the Monarch Watch scientists do!