The northward migration of monarch butterflies is an arduous 100-kilometer journey lasting a month

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

This spring, a small blue mottled butterfly with the wing code JS204 was discovered on Duotou Mountain in Dongshan, Tainan. This butterfly had begun its journey from 100 kilometers away in Chunya Township, Pingtung County, traversing mountains and valleys before appearing in the Siraya National Scenic Area.

The Siraya National Scenic Area, with its suitable habitats and well-preserved forests, is home to a diverse array of beautiful butterflies. To understand the butterfly resources within its jurisdiction, starting in 2011, the scenic area administration has collaborated with the Taiwan Purple Crow Butterfly Conservation Association to conduct surveys of local butterflies and mark-and-release programs for migratory butterflies. On March 4, 2012, volunteers Chen Junyi, Wu Bohong, Cai Wenjuan, and others were conducting a butterfly survey and marking activity on Duotou Mountain when they discovered a small blue mottled butterfly with the code JS204. It was found that this butterfly had been tagged on February 4, 2012, by association volunteers in Chunya Township, Pingtung County. Its capture on Duotou Mountain means the small blue mottled butterfly had flown at least about 100 kilometers, traveling from Pingtung to the Siraya National Scenic Area.

This is the second butterfly captured in the Siraya National Scenic Area since April 30, 2006, when a Spotted Purple Crow Butterfly tagged in Maolin, Kaohsiung, was caught in Shenshili, Guantian Village. This confirms that the area is a key migratory route for butterflies heading north. Currently, there is a significant presence of "Brown Vine," the host plant for small blue mottled butterflies, near the Duotou Mountain hiking trail. Therefore, it is still uncertain whether the northbound small blue mottled butterflies are just passing through Duotou Mountain or will breed here. The peak period for the spring migration of butterflies is from late March to early April each year. Visitors to the Siraya Scenic Area who spot butterflies with wing tags can take photos with a camera or mobile phone and email the images to jylin0107@siraya-nsa.gov.tw. The Siraya administration will present a small gift as a token of appreciation.

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