ENCOURAGING CITIZEN SCIENCE ACTIVITY TO OBTAIN DATA ON BUTTERFLY DISTRIBUTION IN MICHIGAN
Applied Research
Erwin Elsner
MSU EXTENSION
TRAVERSE CITY
Abstract
\r\n “Michigan Butterflies & Skippers” by Mogens C. Nielson, Michigan State University Extension bulletin E-2675, was first published in 1999. Although information was gathered through many decades of personal study and examination of museum specimens by Mr. Nielsen, county distribution data appeared to be incomplete. Even for some very common species that are found virtually anywhere, there were no actual collection records for many Michigan counties. Rather than providing speculative distribution maps in the bulletin, it was decided to show only the verified county species records. This was done to spur the interest and activity of readers to become “citizen scientists”, hoping they would be encouraged to examine their personal collections of specimens and photographs, as well as make specific efforts to search for species in certain counties, and submit further data on the distribution of Michigan butterfly species. The response was impressive, with numerous individuals providing data accounting for hundreds of new county records for the state. The data collected from this process was extensive enough to remove one species from the “special concern” list in the state, based on new information about populations of the butterfly. Published county distribution maps of selected species and the updated maps after public input will be presented, along with the protocols that were used to assure accuracy of identifications by the data contributors.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: E.A. Elsner, M.C. Nielsen
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Elsner, E. Agricultural Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan, 49684
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Nielsen, M. Adjunct Curator of Lepidoptera, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Michigan, 48824