July Butterfly Count Results

On July 30, volunteers with the North American Butterfly Association conducted their annual July butterfly count at Duke Farms. 

A few highlights/observations from the field report from Michael Gochfeld, Ph.D. (Rutgers University):

• "We tallied 31 species which is about average and 1066 individuals, also average.
• We had two new species: Cloudless /sulphur and Swarthy Skipper
• We had several new high counts: Black & Spicebush Swallowtails, Gray & Red-banded Hairstreaks and summer azure.
• The Greatest biodiversity was in areas: Community Gardens,  Haybarn Meadow,  and Dutchess Farm.  
• Surprisingly we didn’t record any Sachems.
• 30 Painted Ladies was almost a record, and there were no American Ladies.
• Overall an interesting count, mostly average or typical with respect to species and numbers.  A dramatic improvement over a month ago. 
• Duke has managed its meadows intensely for several years, aiming for native wildflowers and grasses."

 For more the full species list, including data all the way back from 2005, click here.