Walking with Butterflies

Citizen Science Research of the Future

Citizen Science, Conservation, and Butterflies

Two-tailed swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata). Photo courtesy of KRD Photography ©

Why Study Butterflies?

  • Charismatic species
  • Easily identifiable*
  • Indicator species
  • Common prey species

Why Citizen Science?

  • Large amounts of data
  • Outreach/Education
  • Demystify science

My Research Project

iNaturalist as a Supplement to Pollard Walk Data: Analysis of Butterfly Diversity and Distribution in the Colorado Front Range

Pollard Walks focus on trail-based measurements of butterfly diversity and have strong records of butterfly populations over time but lack widespread distribution. By comparing these butterfly records with those from iNaturalist, it is possible to evaluate the reliability of both methods and find ways to improve upon their biases. Note: All data is from 2019 only.

Pollard Base vs. iNaturalist Survey Methods

For my project I created a sampling area to test differences in species distributions and diversity in the iNaturalist and Pollard Base databases which is shown below. All Pollard Base observations are on the trails designated by the markers. Trails were selected if they had >=5 surveys, reasonable accuracy (no significant formatting issues or incorrectly ID'ed photos), and at 50% or more of butterflies identified to at least the family level.

Slight differences in shape due to zoom. Left image is trail locations of Pollard Base monitors. Right image is Pollard Base trails and distribution of iNaturalist observations illustrated by red markers. To view an interactive version of the iNaturalist observations click here:

Sampling area vs. the whole state of Colorado. Most Pollard Base data falls within this yellow sampling area. Note: trails appear to be outside of the sampling area due to the level of zoom and viewing angle.

Conclusion

  • Pollard Base lacks distribution data, especially in alpine and plains environments.
  • Pollard Base likely has more accurate population data (less skew toward photogenic species, count every butterfly on walks).
  • iNaturalist has better state-level species data which will improve as its userbase increases.
  • Both databases have exclusive species and unique data for conservation.
  • Pollard Base data is more likely to be influenced by the skill of the observer (iNaturalist observations have verifiable photos).
  • Citizen science is a major source of conservation data, especially with invertebrates.

What I Learned From Citizen Science

Variegated fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) spotted during one of my surveys

  • Getting the right data can be difficult
  • ID's are not as easy as they seem*
  • Limitations are in all research
  • Citizen science is new and changing
  • Citizen science is the future of conservation

Interested in monitoring butterflies? Find a program near you:

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Kathryn Hokamp, Chris García-Helmuth, Sarah Triplett, and the Butterfly Pavilion for supporting my research.

I would also like to thank Amber Hecko, Dr. Jim Benedix, Dr. Joe Heithaus, and the Environmental Fellows Program for their continued support throughout this process.

References

Hochmair HH, Scheffrahn RH, Basille M, Boone M (2020) Evaluating the data quality of iNaturalist termite records. PLoS ONE 15(5): e0226534.

Pellet J, Bried JT, Parietti D, Gander A, Heer PO, et al. (2012) Monitoring Butterfly Abundance: Beyond Pollard Walks. PLoS ONE 7(7): e41396. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0041396

Prudic, L. Kathleen, Oliver, C. Jeffrey, Brown, V. Brian, Long, C. Elizabeth (2018) Comparisons of Citizen Science Data-Gathering Approaches to Evaluate Urban Butterfly Diversity. Insects. doi:10.3390/insects9040186

Riva, F., G. Gentile, S. Bonelli, J. H. Acorn, F. V. Denes, A. D. Crosby, and S. E. Nielsen. 2020. Of detectability and camouflage: evaluating Pollard Walk rules using a common, cryptic butterfly. Ecosphere 11(4):e03101. 10.1002/ecs2.3101

Two-tailed swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata). Photo courtesy of KRD Photography ©

Slight differences in shape due to zoom. Left image is trail locations of Pollard Base monitors. Right image is Pollard Base trails and distribution of iNaturalist observations illustrated by red markers. To view an interactive version of the iNaturalist observations click here:

Sampling area vs. the whole state of Colorado. Most Pollard Base data falls within this yellow sampling area. Note: trails appear to be outside of the sampling area due to the level of zoom and viewing angle.

Variegated fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) spotted during one of my surveys