Mini Monarch

[jmg5385]

Mini Monarch!

In spite of more than ample amounts of fresh milkweed, low number of cats per enclosure, and emptying frass 2-3 times a day, 2 of the 100+ monarchs I reared this year formed their chrysalis when they were still quite small. One was close to emerging but did not. However, the second one did and is markedly smaller than normal size. His wing span is about 3” with his fore wings measuring 1 7/16” by ¾” and his hind wings measuring 1” by 14/16”. His body length is 1 1/16”. I have seen small adults, both reared and wild but this guy (male) is truly a mini! He emerged on Wednesday the 17th. I have fed him and he is a feisty one.

The question is should I tag him? With the much smaller size will the weight affect his flight? Would tagging both wings so he is symmetrical be a good or goofy idea or just a waste?

Any thoughts and experience would be greatly appreciated.

[Mona Miller]

Although I've heard stories of the first Monarchs to arrive at the sanctuary are the smaller ones, I would not tag a mini Monarch. Those tags are made for normal sized Monarchs.