New record set on butterfly count

Hot sunny weather last Saturday provided perfect conditions for holding the 11th annual Metolius Butterfly Count. Thirteen adults and as many children swept up Green Ridge and around the Metolius netting butterflies for identification and tallying. All butterflies were released back to the wild.

"We recorded 61 species this year which broke last year's record by nine," reported count leader Sue Anderson.

Anderson attributes the high numbers to an increase in rainfall in recent years.

"When plants, especially wildflowers, have a good growth year, their associated butterflies follow suit," she explained.

An American Painted Lady, never before recorded on the Metolius Count, was netted by Rebecca Terry of Seattle. Also, a Propertius Dusky Wing, another new species, was spotted by Miriam Anderson at Bridge 99.

"These butterflies have probably been here all along," remarked Anderson, "but never in sufficient numbers to be captured on count day."

Similar to the Audubon Christmas bird count, the butterfly count is held nationwide every summer on or near the Fourth of July.

Butterflies are counted within a prescribed 15 mile diameter circle which does not vary from year to year.

The North American Butterfly Association tallies the results and publishes a report which is used by scientists and researchers interested in wildlife population dynamics. Butterfly watchers also use the information to gauge the health of local environments and plan for habitat protection.