Holly Trueman Urie

Blue Skies and Butterflies Holly Trueman Urie

Among all butterflies, the monarch is unique and likely the most well-known butterfly in North America. This practical handbook takes a look at key elements essential to understanding, raising and releasing, and helping to conserve the struggling species.

An iconic symbol of life, transformation, and joy, the monarch is vanishing from the American landscape as habitats are swept away by rapid development, new farming practices eradicate fields of milkweed, and weather patterns alter reproductive and migratory habits. Since 1990, the monarch population in North America has dwindled by 90 percent and even faces the possibility of being declared an endangered species in 2020.

But all is not lost as organizations, businesses, and governmental agencies are partnering to spearhead initiatives aimed at awareness and encouraging individuals, farmers, business entities, and municipalities to work together to restore lost habitats. Their work is further reinforced by countless private groups and individuals supporting and teaching home breeding and release.

This book provides insight into the various aspects of the current crisis, what is being done, and ways individuals can get involved with saving the monarch. It touches briefly on basic biology, including reproduction and the monarch's amazing transformation through metamorphosis. Migration and overwintering are discussed, as are predators, pathogens, and other threats that plague the species. Also included is practical guidance for safely raising and releasing home-bred monarchs from private nurseries and butterfly gardens along with a list of resources for everything from finding milkweed to where and how to participate in Save the Monarch campaigns already underway.

The book's content is rounded out with monarch and butterfly trivia along with interesting facts and answers to all types of questions that inevitably arise, such as:

- How can I tell if it is male or female?

- Is it a moth or butterfly?

- What is the difference between monarchs and queen butterflies?

- Where can I find milkweed, and what kind should I get?

- What kind of plants should I put in my butterfly garden?

- What can be done to help fight disease and infection?

Fully illustrated with easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow instructions, this compact book is a must-have for anyone interested in discovering how to make their own personal contribution to saving the monarch while at the same time learning to appreciate the pure joy of successfully raising and releasing your own monarchs.