The Great Southeast Pollinator Census Update
by UGA
Butterflies often inspire a sense of wonder and awe. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to observe them during the Pollinator Census in August.
Species identification isn't a requirement for the Census, though you might encounter a variety of different types during August. Today we are featuring a few of our smaller species that are under-appreciated in our gardens.
Pearl Crescents have a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches and they can vary in coloring. These small butterflies are often overlooked in our gardens. Their larval plants are in the Asteraceae family so those native asters are important. Butterflies fly by flapping their wings and then gliding, so wind currents are important in their movement.
The larval plants of the Gray Hairstreak are mallows and legumes. Many of our native pea plants are included in that group. These small butterflies have an average wingspan of about one inch and the two black appendages on the hindwings are thought to confuse predators. Butterflies have taste sensors on their legs and you may observe a female marching on a leaf to determine if she is on the correct plant for egg laying.
Fiery Skippers are approximately one inch in length and they have the ability to hold their wings in a triangle shape. They fold their hindwings flat while holding their forewings upright. Grasses are their larval food and sometimes their caterpillars can be considered pests. Monarchs are not the only butterflies that migrate. Scientists are discovering that Fiery Skippers may migrate north in the summer months.
I hope you see these beauties in your garden and during this year's Census. There are several wonderful butterfly field guides available and I will warn you, taking photos of butterflies can become a consuming hobby!
At this time we are talking about the nuts and bolts of participating in the Census on our social media channels. If you are planning a Census hosting event, please share the details on our Facebook Group page. Find us at Southeast Pollinator Census Facebook page and @SoutheastPollinators Instagram.
Protecting our butterflies one count at a time!
Becky Griffin
Project Coordinator
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action organization. |
Upload Your CountYou’re in the right place! Count together for the 2023 Pollinator Census! Counting GuideInstead of uploading counts one at a time you will be able to upload an overall tally of your student counts. Add up the counts and only upload once! Download the Certificate of Participation that will be available on the website. This guide contains all of the details on the census – how to count, how to identify insects that you will see, and how to submit the counts. There is also a counting sheet that can be printed to take to the garden. Feel free to print and copy this guide as many times as you need.
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Who can participate in the census?The census is designed for citizens of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida of all ages to participate. We encourage school groups, gardeners, families and individuals to be a part of the project. You do not need to be an entomologist to partake; we ask for only basic insect identification into these categories:
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