Butterflies to be counted and identified at annual Encounter

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University entomologists will teach butterfly biology and identification to enthusiasts of all ages and lead a butterfly count at the annual Butterfly Encounter.

The encounter, co-sponsored by the Purdue University Department of Entomology and Evonik Corp., will be July 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Evonik's Tippecanoe Laboratories Wildlife Habitat Area at 1650 Lilly Road, Lafayette. Parking is available at the west gate. Directions can be found at http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/butterflycount/directions.html.

Participants will match adult butterflies with their caterpillars and host plants. They also will walk the trails, assist Purdue entomologists in counting the butterflies and learn about butterfly biology, conservation, identification and protection.

"The number of Monarch butterflies counted has been low for the past two years," said Jonathan Neal, assistant professor in the entomology department. "We are interested in determining if the numbers will recover somewhat this year."

This free, family-friendly event is open to anyone, and no prior butterfly knowledge or experience is required. Drinks and snacks will be provided. In the event of rain or storms, the Encounter will be canceled.

Participants will walk the trails until 3 p.m., when they will report their numbers. The butterfly count will be tabulated by 4 p.m.

For more information, visit http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/butterflycount/index.html or email Neal at jneal@purdue.edu.

Writer: Emma Hopkins, 765-494-8402, hopkine@purdue.edu  

Source: Jonathan Neal, 765-494-4594, jneal@purdue.edu 

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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