Help the Bay Checkerspot
Butterfly!
Hello,
this is IGL and this post is about helping the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly. The
Bay Checkerspot Butterfly has a glorious pattern on the back of the wings that
resembles somewhat like a tiger’s face. They are pretty small, with a wingspan
of two inches. The Bay Checkerspot Butterfly is found in the San Francisco Bay
Area, and also Santa Clara County and San
Mateo County .
This butterfly species rests on a host plant, and always has to be a native
plant species to the area. During springtime, the females lay eggs on the plant
and after a week, they hatch to caterpillars. The caterpillars are black and
orange, with a little bit of hair. They feast on dwarf plantain, and during the
summer when the plants die, they enter a period of dormancy. They crawl under
rocks to protect themselves from predators. They awaken the next spring and form
into a chrysalis. A few weeks later, they become full-grown butterflies. The
average lifespan is one year.
The
Bay Checkerspot Butterflies were once abundant in the area. However, during the
late ‘90s and 2000’s, the population declined drastically. Scientists
discovered later that the nitrogen gas from cars in the nearby highways was
causing the change. The soil was abnormally enriched and invasive plants move
into the field, overpopulating the native plant species that the butterfly
needs to survive on. The status of the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly is unknown,
but most likely in the endangered or vulnerable status. After attempts to
repopulate the butterfly, finally in 2013, 699 of the butterflies were found.
There
are many ways to help this butterfly. You could:
- Donate to organizations that help the Bay Checkerspot
Butterfly. http://www.friendsofedgewood.org/donate
- Spread the word.
- Start a petition and get people to sign it.
- Try to not use cars so much anymore.
Help the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly!
Idea+Gift=Love IGL
No comments:
Post a Comment