Butterflies of Boyce-Mayview Park

A Compilation by Bill Judd

There are 722 species of butterfly north of Mexico. Of that number approximately 120 could reasonably be expected to be found in Western Pennsylvania.

This list is my compilation of the past 5 years and is by no means complete. It should be viewed for what it is - a work in progress by a rank amateur. It is hoped it will be used as a foundation for a continuing study of the park’s butterflies. Obviously much remains to be done. The gaping holes in the list omit butterflies that should be there, that have to be there, and that surely are there. New finds and observations should be reported, noting time, date, location and how effected. Unfortunately taxonomy has not provided butterflies with a stable nomenclature. The groupings are therefore quite general.

A word about collecting. Most identifications (IDs) on the list were obtained by using a 7X close-focusing binocular. Those requiring closer examination were carefully netted, carefully handled and released where found as quickly as possible. Collecting in a small, defined habitat can have a pronounced effect on the population. The killing-jar and pinned specimens as a tool for the ID of butterflies is as outdated as the shotgun is for the ID of birds. The current state of optics renders collecting unnecessary. As conservationists we must look to the preservation of habitats and species for those who follow. Additionally it may also be unlawful to collect species that are listed as threatened or endangered - sadly many of the butterflies are.

Bill Judd, April 2003

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