This interesting project, from UT, involves observing zebra longwing butterflies over a 4 month period, November to March. The goal of the experiment is to gain a better understanding of the distribution of zebra longwing butterflies with regard to winter conditions.
Participants will be supplied with Passiflora affinis plants and zebra butterflies (existing P. affinis plants would be helpful). Participants also need an enclosed screened in porch or other unheated enclosure where the butterflies and caterpillars could be exposed to ambient temperatures. Alternatively, a butterfly cage could be built or a tent out of netting. A structure would have to be strong enough or slightly sheltered enough to not get blown over in a storm. A simple enclosure may use a pre-existing fence or trellis as a base. Daily data collection is recommended.
Master naturalists who are interested in participating but don’t have the time or resources to maintain butterflies at home could check on the Sunshine enclosure once per week or so.
If you are interested in this project please contact: Contact Thomas Sivon at sivontho@utexas.edu.
Record hours at: FR:Insect Life:TMN Field Research Hours