Learn about how global change may be impacting arthropod communities, and about the citizen science project Caterpillars Count! which seeks to develop long-term monitoring sites for better understanding those impacts. You will learn how to explore patterns of arthropod abundance and phenology on our website, and how to set up your own monitoring site.
Caterpillars Count! is a citizen science project for measuring the seasonal variation, also known as phenology, and abundance of arthropods like caterpillars, beetles, and spiders found on the foliage of trees and shrubs. The data you collect on the abundance and phenology of caterpillars and other insects during the growing season (spring and summer) is used by researchers to relate trends in arthropod populations to bird population trends in those same areas, and to better understand how changes in climate and land use impact the plants and animals around us.
Dr. Allen Hurlbert is a Professor of Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research aims to understand large-scale patterns of diversity and distribution and the impacts of global change.
The Lep Club, is made up of novice and expert lepidopterists who meet to exchange knowledge and support concerning habitat, threats, food sources, identification, and life cycle of butterflies and moths. Club meetings encourage a sharing of knowledge for the raising and breeding of moths and butterflies through hands-on lessons and guest speakers. Club members are also involved in outreach in the greater Baltimore community through educational programs and service projects. Club meetings feature a guest speaker that share their knowledge on a topic related to moths and butterflies as well as time to distribute caterpillars and eggs. As a group, we rear and share incredible native butterflies and saturniid moths (lunas, polyphemus, cedropia, imperials and more) with one another. Senior club members always walk you through everything you need to know in order to successfully raise your new friends.
To learn more about all NHSM Clubs: https://youtu.be/pIA7naRjXws
To become a member: https://www.marylandnature.org/club-membership/
