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It’s no secret that monarch butterfly populations are struggling. Counts at their wintering sites show staggering declines since the 1990s: more than 80% for eastern U.S. populations and over 95% for western monarchs. Butterfly lovers naturally want to help, but it’s important to be sure your actions are truly beneficial. Follow these guidelines to help protect this beautiful species.
Learn more fascinating monarch butterfly facts.
DO: Observe Before Acting
“Disturbances can cause stress to wildlife, and responding to stressors takes energy,” says Isis Howard, conservation biologist at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. It’s often best to let nature take its course.
DON’T: Step In Unless It’s Absolutely Necessary
“There aren’t many instances that require moving a caterpillar,” Isis says. An exception might be if it’s crawling in a heavy traffic area.
DO: Handle Caterpillars with Care
“Caterpillars are fragile, so be gentle,” Isis says. “Move the caterpillar without handling it. Lightly touch a leaf, stick or stem to the caterpillar’s rear to get it moving.” You can also coax it onto a leaf, then relocate the leaf.
DON’T: Touch Caterpillars with Bare Hands
If you absolutely have to pick up a caterpillar, Isis says, wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly— lotions or chemicals could harm it. “Don’t squeeze, and avoid dropping a caterpillar. Instead, let it crawl off on its own.”
DO: Leave Caterpillars Where You Find Them
Caterpillars often crawl away from milkweed when preparing to molt or form a chrysalis. There’s no need to move them back.
DON’T: Disturb Molting or J-Hanging Caterpillars
This is an especially vulnerable time. You can observe the process, but don’t interfere.
DO: Move a Fallen Chrysalis to a Safe Location
A monarch chrysalis should hang vertically, but a fallen chrysalis isn’t always a problem. You can move it (with clean hands) to a safer spot if needed, or try this suggestion from Isis: “Tie dental floss around the cremaster (the tiny stem at the top), then hang the chrysalis nearby.”
DON’T: Touch Fresh Butterflies
Newly emerged butterflies look crumpled and wet at first. Give them time to expand and dry their wings, and they’ll fly off before you know it!
DO: Remember That Monarchs Are Part of an Ecosystem
“Some mortality is natural,” Isis says. Each female lays hundreds of eggs, and not all survive to adulthood. “Monarchs are part of the food web and support other wildlife too.” Isis offers some final thoughts to bear in mind: “Keep monarchs wild. Sometimes our well-intentioned interference can cause more harm than good. Remember, monarchs have all the tools they need to survive.” These small creatures are remarkably resilient!
Rethink Raising Monarchs in Captivity
Raising monarchs in captivity for release may seem helpful, but many scientists discourage it. “Rearing monarchs is not a proven conservation strategy for the species,” Isis says. “Additionally, reared monarchs can spread disease to wild populations.” Instead, fill your yard with the native milkweeds and nectar plants they need to survive, avoid pesticides, and support efforts to protect monarch overwintering sites in California and Mexico.
