February
Dr. Bob Pyle presented a history of butterfly conservation. He discussed why some butterflies are common while others are rare, and what they need to survive. Bob gave a fascinating account of a range of conservation efforts, such as the reintroduction of the Large Copper in England in the late 1800s after its natural habitats were converted to tulip fields and other uses; the development of the “life table” of the Black Hairstreak and Large Blue for some of the first butterfly conservation and management plans; the inception of the Xerces Society in 1971; and the Green Hairstreak Corridor project in San Francisco-where small patches of habitat managed by volunteers are bringing back this butterfly, once thought to be extinct.
March 2
David Droppers “Don’t black out because of the blues… help has arrived!” With 19 species of blues in Washington State, remembering all those identification cues can be near futile. David Droppers unveiled a new tool he’s developed: a dichotomous key to the blues of Washington state. He described a dichotomous key as a system of identifying an object, in which a succession of paired choices leads progressively to only one remaining correct choice. David presented photos of blues of our area, along with similar species that can cause confusion, and led us through using the key to identify them. It will undoubtedly prove to be valuable this field season!
April
Jon Pelham discussed the foundation of butterfly research, and those who built it. After giving us a grand tour of science through the ages, Jon led us through the evolution of both observation and science as applied to butterflies and other insects, discussing some of the giants who pushed them forward from 1635 on. These included Linnaeus, Darwin, Ulyssis Aldrovani, Maria Sibylla Merian (for her treatise on metamorphosis), Hans Sloane, George Edwards, and others.
May 4 – Bob Hardwick
Help is On the Way for Skipper Identification!
The skipper group is one with which many people struggle. Continuing in our ongoing review of identification skills, Bob will take on the skippers. We have all appreciated and enjoyed Bob’s teaching techniques in attempting to hone our field skills. This comes just in time for us to practice all summer. This is a program none of us should miss.
June 1* – John Baumann
Butterflies of Washington’s “Far East”: Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, The Selkirks, and Spokane County
John Baumann, one of our long valued eastern WA members, will share photos and stories from field trips from his past three years in Spokane and Pend Oreille Counties. Those newer to butterflying will find encouragement in news of what sorts of contributions thoughtful novice “citizen scientists” can make to the study of lepidoptera; those with more experience may glean tips on some new Eastern Washington hot spots. Brenda McCracken will also share in presenting this program. All are invited to catch a few glimpses of butterflies and terrain we may visit July 15th-17th for WBA’s 2011 conference.
September 7
Sarah Moore Managing a Tropical Butterfly House
Sarah Moore, Life Sciences Manager of the Pacific Science Center, will share the inside workings of the Seattle Science Center Butterfly House. How are the butterflies chosen and procured and how long do they live? Sarah will share photos of the many beautiful tropical butterflies you will see there. Join us for a unique and interesting program.
October 5
David Droppers Sphinx Moths of Washington
There are 19 species of sphinx moths in Washington. These are always attractive as many visit the same flowers at dusk as the hummingbirds and butterflies visit during the day… thus often being called “hummingbird moths.” Many occur in all areas of Washington and this is your chance to learn them. David’s programs are always fun and educational.
November
Jonathan Pelham gave us Part 2 of the history of butterfly study and those who did it, including the change from somewhat fanciful representations of species up to recent books with photo- graphic detail and now, of course, actual photographs
December 7
Dave Nunnallee: Life Histories of Cascadia Butterflies
At last this invaluable new book will be available and Dave will present photos and share adventures from creating the book Life Histories of Cascadia Butterflies with David James. It includes photos of eggs, all instars, chrysalids and adults of butterflies of the Northwest. A first such publication in the nation (perhaps world) to show all stages! Ten copies of the book will be available for purchase at the meeting… first come first served.