Catching Monarch Butterflies
Finding Milkweed |
Growing Milkweed | Catching Monarchs | Making a Cage
| Rearing Monarchs
Making a Butterfly Net
If you want to catch wild butterflies, you'll need a net. You
can purchase a good butterfly net or make one. The net should be at least 24 inches
deep, allowing you to trap a butterfly in the deep end of the net without harming
it. Don't buy a cheap "kids" net, as they generally will damage the butterflies.
Materials
-
Wooden
handle (a large dowel cut into various kid-and adult-sized lengths works well)
- Wood carving tool (a sharp penknife will work)
- 8-gauge wire for the rim of the net (or a wire hanger)
- Wire, cord, or duct tape to fasten the rim to the handle
- Netting to make the bag (bridal veil material works)
- Needle and thread (a sewing machine would be very useful)
- Muslin fabric
- Drill
Assembly Instructions
- Cut grooves in opposite sides of the end of the wooden handle. The grooves should
be approximately 2 inches long on one side and approximately 3 inches long on the
other side (Figure A).
- Drill holes through the handle about halfway along each groove.
- Cut the netting in a W-shape (Figure D), where the top of the W is the
circumference of the rim.
- Cut a strip of muslin about 3 inches wide and as long as the circumference of
the net. Fold it in half and sew it to the top of the W; this should create a muslin
sleeve attached to the netting, which is where the wire forming the net rim will
go.
- Sew the bag closed (Figure E).
- Slide the 8-gauge wire through the muslin sleeve of the bag. Shape it into the
net's rim, a loop with ends (Figure B). These ends should fit into the grooves
and drilled holes of the wooden handle.
- Fasten the rim to the handle by wrapping around the end of the handle with thin
wire, heavy cord, or duct tape (Figure C).
Making the Catch
When
in flight, monarchs are wary and difficult to catch. It's best to locate them feeding
on flowers or while they are on the roosts late in the day or early in the morning.
- Approach butterflies slowly (from behind if possible) as sudden movement will
startle them into flight.
- Sweep the net forward quickly and flip the end of the net bag over the net handle
after you catch a butterfly to prevent them from flying back out of the net. You
want the butterfly in the deep end of the net.
- With one hand holding the handle, use the other hand to collapse the end of the
net. There should be enough space at the deep end to prevent damage to the butterfly.
- Gently flatten the net bag so the wings of the butterfly are closed over its back
(thorax) and place your thumb and forefinger over the leading edge of the wings
(from outside of net).
- Next, with the thumb and forefinger of your other hand, reach into the net and
firmly grasp the thorax or all four wings. Carefully remove the butterfly.
If you wish to store your butterfly (to transport or hold for later examination),
you can use a paper triangle or glassine envelope (stamp envelope). If you need
to store the butterfly for more than a few hours (i.e. overnight or up to 2 days),
place the envelope in a plastic box or zip lock bag in the refrigerator. It will
be fine! Be sure to keep captured butterflies out of the sun.
If you are interested in tagging your monarch in the fall, visit the Monarch Watch website for instructions.