How to Track Monarch Butterfly Migration Throughout Iowa

Monarch butterflies are amongst the most gorgeous insects around. Their eye-popping black-and-orange colors make them instantly recognizable even for those not well-versed in the realm of insects and outdoor critters. It's one of the reasons why their annual migration south draws eyes from enthusiasts to casuals.

Presently, we're in the period of time where Monarch butterflies are migrating through Iowa as part of their long journey south to Mexico to flee the Midwest winter. Through Iowa State University, the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium has tagged some Monarch butterflies to allow people to track their multi-state trek.

How to Go About Tracking Monarch Butterflies:

Like most things these days, you can track Monarch butterflies via an app called Project Monarch. By selecting "University of Guelph" in the app, users can monitor the journeys of 30 Monarchs tagged in Iowa, per KCCI. The app is available through both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Iowa Members Asked to Help Track Butterflies:

A couple weeks ago, KCCI reported that researchers with the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium sought help from Iowa residents to help monitor Monarch butterflies in clusters on private property and public land alike. Clusters of Monarchs are known as "roosts," and they can be a couple dozen to a couple hundred in size. They typically rest on tree branches near woodland areas, windbreaks, and rivers in the evening or very early morning.

Tracking efforts around the state of Iowa are still ongoing. People who spot roosts are asked to email monarchs@iastate.edu with the location, type of tree, estimated number of butterflies, the date, and any photos you wish to provide. Reports will remain anonymous:

Iowa plays a crucial role in their migration corridor. By documenting roosting sites, landowners are directly contributing to the science that guides conservation strategies at home and across the continent - the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium, per KCCI

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Find out more about how you can track Monarch butterflies in Iowa on KCCI's website.

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When you are driving through the countryside just outside of Elgin, it’s easy to miss the driveway for Wenger Family Farms. But those that know where they are looking are welcomed onto a farm that exemplifies care standards, not only to their animals but to the environment.

Gallery Credit: Kailey Foster

Filed Under: Dubuque, iowa

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