An evaluation of the butterfly garden as a restoration tool using the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus
Graduate Research Assistants: Brian Cutting (M.S. Entomology)
Collaborators: Dr. Chris Williams, Dave Funk (Stroud Water Research Center), Longwood Gardens
One of the greatest challenges of our time is countering the loss of biodiversity that results from destructive human expansion into natural areas. The natural systems that support our existence are failing as most of our land is transformed from healthy habitat into landscapes that suit our current needs but are not sustainable. A great portion of this land is now privately owned suburban areas that are unnecessarily sterile. We must strive to find feasible ways to make this land useful to wildlife once again.
This study will evaluate several aspects of the ecological interactions operating in butterfly gardens in an effort to determine whether butterfly gardens can play an important role in conservation and restoration efforts. This study will provide valuable insight into how populations of Lepidoptera react to butterfly gardens and how the gardens affect biodiversity. Information obtained from this study will be important to consider during the design and execution of restoration efforts, as well as for making recommendations to homeowners about methods for supporting biodiversity in suburban landscapes.
This study will achieve these goals by 1) comparing oviposition rates on host plants in suburban butterfly gardens and host plants in natural areas; and 2) quantifying Lepidoptera survivorship rates among plants in butterfly gardens and in natural areas.
This project is currently in need of volunteers. We are interested in working with homeowners who are willing to have a 7’ by 7’ garden with butterfly host plants planted in full sun on their property. Study sites must be within a 4 mile radius of Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA. Please contact Brian Cutting (bcutting@udel.edu) for more information and volunteering.
