Monitoring Butterfly Populations Using the Fourth of July Butterfly Count

• DOI: 10.2307/2426190
• Publication Date: 2006-04-24T13:22:01Z
• Authors: Ann B. Swengel
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 01 natural sciences

-The Xerces Society's Fourth of July Butterfly Count (4J), patterned after the popular Christmas Bird (CBC), is a nationwide, volunteer, annual 1-day census butterflies and skippers at selected sites. The ornithological literature reviewed, although not exhaustively, to summarize methods for analyzing CBC data list types studies using these data. Applications ornithologists' experiences with, concerns about, uses for, 4J are discussed, as well issues, problems opportunities specific Lepidoptera 4J. This discussion augmented by results survey midwestern compilers. Two prototype offered: nationwide analysis monarch 1979-1988 an restricted Midwest 1986-1989 on fluctuations immigrant species. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSES OF BUTTERFLY COUNT Society started (4J) in 1975 has sponsored it annually since. butterfly count highly successful founded 1900 National Audubon Society, except time year. period informally extends several weeks before this holiday, counts outside also accepted. People initiating establish 15-mile diam area, which remain same each year conducted. In period, participants keep track number species (i.e., skipper) seen, method identification, field, weather, observers how many field parties, distances traveled (car, foot, etc.). Results published (10 Southwest Ash Street, Portland, Oregon 97204). Like counts, diverse. Some city parks, campuses, arboretums or nature centers, while others more natural areas. Amateur lepidopterists conduct some professional others. held fun, part research monitoring projects. Nature centers educational ventures their members general public. Many both developed wild areas mix amateur counters. was various reasons. Most important, meant be pleasant experience people interested public, who often help out. program presents butterflies, association invertebrates general, positive appealing way A secondary purpose informal tool studying populations, especially learn about ranges sizes populations weather other variables affect butterflies. I surveyed 16 compilers active any year(s) from 1986 1988 inclusive (Ohio Iowa Michigan Minnesota, hereafter Midwest). They filled out separate 19 circles counted one those three years. Responses 14 representing 17 were received. As got started, word mouth someone familiar with most frequent recruiting count's compiler (n = 7), membership drives nearly effective 5). R. M. Pyle's