genetics

[Jacob Groth]

Anne Kilmer wrote:

"If, however, you take all eggs and larvae into your house, lab or
whatever, feed the larvae, and then release them in your garden, you may
be disabling the mechanism that selects bright, careful caterpillars."

I don't believe this would be the case, but even if it is, the mere result
would be that these caterpillars would not have successful offspring.  This
would have no effect on the wild population whatsoever.  The gene that
"disabled any mechanism" would be eliminated from the gene pool.

Do you realize that the Monarch Watch send off thousands of monarch
caterpillars to schools for educational purposes that are released into the
wild?  And that many of these butterflies have been tagged and recovered in
Mexico (see 1998 season summary totals at MonarchWatch.org)?  Even if there
is the slightest risk to the butterfly, isn't the education and sheer
delight that is brought to these school children worth the risk? 

Jacob
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