Western Monarch Alliance

Report your Monarch Sightings

at any stage of the life cycle.

Report your sightings to one of the following: 

  • iNaturalist

    An easy-to-use community science application that serves as an essential resource for research scientists and conservation biologists. At the same time, data from this site feeds information to many other monarch conservation projects, such as the western milkweed mapper. Upload observations online or using the iNat app on your phone. inaturalist.org

  • Western Monarch Observation Form

    Send your monarch observation (date, time, location, photos if present) using our online form. This form focuses on observations throughout Sonoma County, but all observations west of the Rocky Mountains may be reported here.

  • Email

    Send an email to info@hallbergbutterflygardens.org with the following information:

    • Date, time, location

    • Temperature (if noted).

    • Which stage of the life cycle did you see?

    • Photos?

    • Further Information: Did you see multiple monarchs, caterpillars, etc?  How Many? Any other site, weather, or observation information to include? 

Why report monarch observations?

Reporting sightings of western monarchs helps scientists and researchers understand the population and inform conservation strategies.

  • Understand the Monarch’s life cycle.
    Monarch sightings help researchers understand where monarchs breed and migrate. There is much we do not know!

  • Conservation
    Sightings help inform conservation strategies, such as protecting overwintering sites, restoring breeding and migratory habitats, and protecting monarchs from pesticides. 

  • Database
    Sightings contribute to an extensive database that includes records from herbaria, research datasets, and other community science programs.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus):

Caterpillar (larva), Chrysalis (pupa), Butterfly (adult)

Monarch look-a-likes in Sonoma County:

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

Gulf Fritillary (Dione vanillae)

Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon)

We encourage you to visit the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation webpage for plant lists, Monarch information, bee-safe plants, and many other printable publications supporting the conservation of butterflies and pollinators.