Monarch Caterpillar
Here we have a case of the disappearing leaf. The culprit is not too hard to find, and easy enough to identify. This Monarch butterfly caterpillar (Danaus plexippus) is chowing down on swamp milkweed leaves in the bright afternoon sun. Sensational!
Read MoreCan Woolly Bear Caterpillars Predict Winter Severity?
Have you ever heard the myth that woolly bear caterpillars (Pyrrharctia isabella) can predict the severity of the winter season? According to folklore, the longer the black extends down the body segments, the colder or snowier the winter will be in the locality the caterpillar is found. On the other hand, the longer the brown extends in the middle of the body, the milder the winter will be. This individual in particular seems to be indicating a severe winter, as the black coloration extends quite far down the body from each end. Although this may not be the prediction you were hoping for,...
Read MoreMonarch caterpillar
Monarch butterfly caterpillars like this one have been seen in higher than typical numbers, compared to recent years, in some areas. However, others in the region have told me they have seen a total of zero. It seems to be a year of dissenting data. Even last week at a meeting of naturalists from across the Chautauqua-Allegheny region we had some people excitedly reporting improved Monarch numbers while others dolefully spoke of few or none. The butterflies continue to be seen here and there and you should keep an eye out for them during this migratory period. I will be surveying the shores...
Read MoreMonarch proposed to U.S. Endangered Species Act
Kudos to our friends at The Xerces Society for joining forces with other experts in filing a legal request with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to add the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) to the Endangered Species Act. This process takes several years normally so prepare to wait! I was pleased to see they added a “request that the USFWS pass a special rule, called a 4(d) rule, that will allow scientific research, citizen tagging and monitoring, milkweed production, and non-commercial rearing in classrooms and households to continue and not to be considered as “take” or...
Read MoreRoger Tory Peterson collecting insects
For #TransformationTuesday here’s a young Roger Tory Peterson with an insect net. Butterflies and moths were high on the list of his early nature studies as Roger would collect caterpillars and find moths at streetlights in Jamestown, especially near Lake View Cemetery. He even got a special permit from the police chief to stay out past the citywide curfew! You’ll be able to learn more about Dr. Peterson’s life in a new and interactive way soon…stay tuned.
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