How long to wait after monarch emerge from chrysalis to tag?

[cvillone]

Can someone tell me how long you usually wait for him/her to dry their wings before tagging and releasing them. I have one that just hatched and don't want to try tagging it until I know the wings are fully dry and ready to fly.

Thanks,
Chris

[ohiomonarchmama]

I know this is a little late to reply, but just saw your post. I usually wait until the next day, but make sure the butterfly has a good place to "hang" so wings can dry straight and it doesn't fall. I have a larger container that I have put nylon window screening in that they like to hang on, but make sure they can't get caught behind it and flap until the wings tear. That didn't happen to me, but I have been worried and try to prevent it. If I see the weather forcast is bad for the next day, I wait probably at least 6 hrs before releasing, but on a sunny day I suppose it would be OK to put out sooner on a nectar source. Also, sometimes you can just tell they are flapping alot and ready to get out, in which case I let them unless I am saving them to release with a class. They usually go toward sunlight, so moving the container to a darker spot usually settles them down. The book "My monarch journal" says it's OK to release onto a branch after an hour or two, but it's wings will still be limp. I was always afraid it might fall and the wings would deform, so that is why I keep it a little longer and watch over it.

[ohiomonarchmama]

I re-read your post...I think the 2 hours the book recommends is too soon if you are tagging...I still think 6 hours or more before I'd try to tag, and I'd wait until the next day if it seems content & weather will be good.

[JBowers]

When I tag/realease, I try to tag early enough (2-3 hours after hatch) so the newbies can find a suitable spot to roost for the day/night. But if the weather looks bad, I'll keep them. Then when the weather is STILL bad, I'll find a protected place for them to hang.
Today, I released three that hatched late yesterday and two that hatched this a.m. It was a windy (10-15mph) day! The three from yesterday stayed put where I placed them till 6:30 p.m.!!! The two that hatched today, left about 1 hour after I released them!
So who knows?? But do watch the weather. I have never kept Monarchs more than 24-36 hours!
Hope this helps.
Enjoy,
j