Drake White, Master Naturalist and Volunteer Project Manager of the Butterfly Learning Center in Phil Hardberger Park has a special treat for us.
She has been venturing out into her backyard every day during quarantine to teach us how to look for butterfly activity in our very own yards or park.
We would love to see photos of what you are finding in your yard or neighborhood! Please share with us by posting your images on social media and tag us! Happy bug-hunting!
March 25, 2020 - Day 1 of Quarantine - In this video, Drake has created a how-to video for finding caterpillars in your yard. Today should be warm and sunny once this fog burns off, so if you can, go out and look for some bugs!
March 26, 2020 - Day 2 of Quarantine - In tody’s video, Drake has created a how-to video for finding caterpillars in your yard. We learn all about passion vine!
March 27, 2020 - Day 3 of Quarantine - In day 3 of Drake’s video blog, we see a Pipevie Swallowtail look for a great spot to lay her eggs!
March 28, 2020 - Day 4 of Quarantine - In day 4 of Drake’s video blog, she has captured on camera a pipevine swallowtail laying eggs!
March 30, 2020 - Day 5 of Quarantine - We start this week with the birth of a new Monarch Butterfly caterpillar! Drake White, Master Naturalist and Volunteer Project Manager of the Butterfly Learning Center in Phil Hardberger Park has another video for us.
She has captured on camera a caterpillar hatching out of its egg in the 5th installment of her video blog.
We would love to see photos of what you are finding in your yard or neighborhood!
March 31, 2020 - Day 6 of Quarantine - Drake White, Master Naturalist and Volunteer Project Manager of the Butterfly Learning Center in Phil Hardberger Park has another video for us. We get to see a Monarch caterpillar eat breakfast!
Just like the recommendations from the CDC, when handling milkweed, you shouldn’t touch your face, and always wash your hands after. Milkweed contains a toxic sap and it is very painful. If you get any in your eye, seek immediate medical attention. So remember, “wash your hands, and don’t touch your face.
April 1, 2020 - Day 7 of Quarantine - Drake White, Master Naturalist and Volunteer Project Manager of the Butterfly Learning Center in Phil Hardberger Park has another video for us.
Native plants are important for all butterflies. But for the Pipevine Swallowtail, and Gulf fritillary, if a native is not used, it is deadly! Understanding & knowing the Scientific names of plants is important for this very reason. If you don't use a native, once the eggs hatch & the caterpillars start to eat, they will die because they aren't used to the toxic levels found in the exotic varieties, both in Aristochia (pipevines), and Passion vines. So ask for the scientific name when you are selecting plants to attract butterflies!