Collier County Parks & Recreation
Volunteer Newsletter – January 2022
Results
of Fall Butterfly Counts in Three Collier County Parks
By: Andee
Naccarato, CCPR Volunteer & Interim President of Naples Native Plants
Butterfly counts for the fall season were conducted in Collier County’s Parks last November. In total, 21 participants counted 180 butterflies representing at least 18 species! The butterfly counts were conducted at three Collier County Parks, including Conner Park (42 butterflies, 9 species), Sugden Regional Park (59 butterflies, 13 species), and North Collier Regional Park (67 butterflies, 12 species).
For approximately three hours, participants counted
butterflies present in the Parks’ butterfly gardens and walked predetermined
routes through additional Park areas, including forested areas, pond edges, and
open lawn spaces. Volunteers recorded if certain types of butterflies were
observed in the butterfly gardens or in other natural park areas.
Interestingly, every Park added at least one new
butterfly species that was not observed during the summer count last June. At
Conner Park, which is bordered by coastal estuary habitat including mangroves,
participants observed both the Mangrove Buckeye and the Mangrove Skipper.
Butterfly counters at Sugden Regional Park noticed Common Buckeyes between the
nature trail and Lake Avalon. Dorantes Longtail Skippers were recorded for the
first time at both Sugden and North Collier Regional Parks.
Although overall butterfly abundance and species
diversity was lower compared to the summer counts, this trend was expected
based on seasonal changes in weather. In general, fewer butterflies are
observed during the cooler, dry season. As “cold-blooded” insects, butterflies
require warm ambient temperatures to maintain active flight. This means few
butterflies are seen on cool days. Additionally, a lack of rainfall tends to
reduce new growth on butterfly host plants. With fewer egg-laying sites, food
for caterpillars, and flowers in bloom, the butterfly’s life cycle may slow
down or pause in earlier life stages (egg, caterpillar, or chrysalis) and
reduce chances of seeing adult butterflies.
These butterfly counts were made possible by dedicated
Garden Program Volunteers along with additional participants representing Calusa
Garden Club, Collier County Master Gardeners, Collier County Parks &
Recreation, Cypress Cove Landkeepers, and the Naples Chapter of the Florida
Native Plant Society.
Thank you to Debi Siciliano (Volunteer Coordinator) and the following individuals for your optimistic efforts in completing these counts, despite less than perfect weather conditions: Dena & Scott Berglund, Dante Cirilli, Christy Duff, Lisa Forman, Cherie Glen, Melissa Hennig, Daphne Jameson, Susan LaGrotta, Leslie Landert, Twyla Leigh, Bonnie Lervik, Maureen McFarland, Tara McGraw, Andee Naccarato, Connie Nagele, Debbie Polen, Jane Smith, and Sally & Kirby Stein.
Data gathered from this citizen science project is being
shared with butterfly conservation organizations, such as eButterfly and the
North American Butterfly Association. Comparisons of butterfly abundance and
diversity in fall, spring, and summer will be a unique addition to knowledge of
butterfly natural history in southwest Florida. More butterfly counts are being
planned for Spring 2022. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Connie
Nagele (Lead Volunteer) at CNageleart@gmail.com.
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