it's a girl

[MNkristin]

I just released a female monarch. While I was out of town my son lovingly released 3 other adults. I have 3 more chrysalis. I have a lot of eggs on my milkweed and I also found 5 1st instars. I brought in the instars and some eggs. This is my 1st season doing this, I probably won't be rearing large amounts indoors like some of you out there, but it's been such an amazing experience that I am hooked. I am very glad for this website.

[Mona Miller]

Me, too. Great place to learn. I'm still learning. Just when you think you have it down, the butterflies do something different--just like kids.

[MNkristin]

released another female today, making a total of 4 females, and as my son released them while I was out of town, the other 3 unknown. I am wondering if anyone knows the ratio of female to male? i brought in 6 more 1st instars, hatched 4 eggs and have one getting ready to J, and one 3rd instar. i will be sharing with a friend that doesn't have quite so many at her house. I live in StPaul, MN btw

[Mona Miller]

It's supposed to be 50/50.

http://akdavis.myweb.uga.edu/DavisPubli ... 202010.pdf
"Are female monarch butterflies declining in eastern North America? Evidence of a 30-year change in sex ratios at Mexican overwintering sites"

[dandjtaylor]

I find that it does, interestingly enough, come out at about 50-50 at my waystation.