Group makes study of monarch mystery

[Mona Miller]

http://www.news-press.com/article/20120 ... ch-mystery
Group makes study of monarch mystery
The orange and black butterfly of local origins seems to behave differently than its cousins in northern states.

"To see why Florida’s monarchs are different, a butterfly tagging project was launched after a North American Butterfly Association conference in November at the Rotary Park Environmental Center in Cape Coral.

Helping with the tagging project is the NABA’s local chapter, the Longwings.

Nick Bodvan, a butterfly enthusiast in Fort Myers Shores and a member of the Longwings, said goals of tagging include getting information on the longevity of local monarchs; see if they migrate to Mexico or to the Caribbean islands; if monarchs that overwinter here go north in the spring; determine what species of their host plant, the milkweed, influences their behavior; and which habitats, plants and nectar sources should be conserved.

“It is our goal to eventually expand the program statewide,” Bodvan said."

[Mona Miller]

http://www.nickiebodv.blogspot.com/
There's more information on the Florida butterfly tagging project on the above website. Monarchs are being tagged in the Fort Myers area.

"MONARCH TAGGING 2012
. MAJOR NEWS REGARDING A STATE
. WIDE RESEARCH PRODJECT
. EXPECTED IN TWO WEEKS
. NAME ????????
I have been working for the past two years on plans for a state wide research program to study the Florida Monarch, its migration, its deceases, and the influence of the non native milkweed.

Help us by participate in the project other than tagging in developing this study into a state wide research program.
You will be working first hand with professors Jim and kelly Dunford.
. Email: butterflynet@embarqmail.com

Gayle Edwards started and is coordinator of the local NABA tagging.
To get a summary of the goals of our project and why we are developing this research and its importance. email :flmonarch@gmail.com

If you would like begin tagging in the Fort Myers area (Southwest Florida Monarch Monitoring Program) email: flmonarch@gmail.com

You will receive any updates by email. You will be removed from this list at your request.
This is a very small volunteer group and we are at the beginning of the development of the program.

This is a long-range project and we are attempting not to expand the program until we have adequate volunteers and finances to progress. Please be patient."