Butterflies of the Sierra Nevada
General Description:
The Sierra Nevada is rich in butterflies, and the Yuba Pass area is no exception. As many as 70 species of butterflies may be found on a single day by visiting 3 or 4 locations in a sequence of elevations. More than 100 species of butterflies have been located from the lower elevations near Camptonville over the pass to near Graeagle, including the campus itself... see Butterfly List
We will study the ecology, behavior, life zones, flower visitation, and life history of the area's butterflies in several elevational habitats. The instructor will use non-lethal means to study the butterflies, including netting, placing live butterflies in small containers, followed by their release; observation with close-focusing binoculars; and close-up photography. The goal will be for you to familarize yourself with the butterfly species seen during class trips and to learn about butterflies of different families and to understand their behavior, and ecological place in the environment. You should be able to stalk and study butterflies as well as to take recognizable photos.
Evening slide talks will supplement the course by including topics such as western endangered species conservation, national park studies, Monarch life history and tagging studies, butterfly gardening, tropical butterflies, and moth diversity and biology.
Instructors
Dr. Paul Opler and Evi Buckner
Class Schedule
The class will meet at 9:00 AM on Monday, July13 and will end on noon of July 17
Suggested Reading
- Peterson Field Guide to Western Butterflies, 2nd revised edition. 1999 by Paul Opler. Order at Amazon The names used will be based on this book. Instructor will have copies for sale as well as other books and videos.
also recommended:
- Kaufman Focus Guide, Butterflies of North America,2003, by Jim P. Brock and Kenn Kaufman. Order at Amazon
- The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. John Muir Laws. Heyday Books. A richly illustrated guide to a full range of Sierra plants, animals, fungi, and more.
Order at HeyDay Books
Equipment
Notebook, pens, daypack, water bottle or canteen, sturdy shoes, hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, repellent,35mm camera or digital camera or video cam with macro capability and sufficient film (optional)Close focusing binoculars (6-9 feet) (optional) Butterfly net (optional) [instructor will have 5 or 6 available]
Optional Grades
Anyone may audit the course or take it credit/no credit. If you need a grade it will be based on your field notes, active attendance, and a short paper will be required.
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