Alabama Butterfly Atlas adds new “search by color” feature. Site includes eggs, caterpillars and more
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Sara Bright, Birmingham co-author and photographer of the book Butterflies of Alabama informed Bham Now this week that the Alabama Butterfly Atlas has added a new “search by color” feature on their popular nature website.
Butterfly enthusiasts hope the new feature will make it easier for children and adults alike to better identify butterflies in their natural habitat by not requiring them to initially know the scientific or common names.
What is the Alabama Butterfly Atlas
Launched in April 2017, the Alabama Butterfly Atlas (ABA) collects, interprets, and shares information about Alabama’s butterfly populations for the purpose of education and conservation. It puts science-based information into the hands of those who need it—students and teachers, gardeners, conservationists, and green space planners across the state.
How to use the Atlas
If you want to learn everything there is to know about butterflies of Alabama, the Alabama Butterfly Atlas is a one stop shop. The Atlas provides:
- Access to life history accounts, distribution maps, photographs of each life cycle stage (the site also includes photos of eggs, caterpillars and chrysalis), host plant lists, gardening tips, and flight charts—all specific to Alabama.
- Searchable information about a particular species or look at species lists from specific counties, regions, or selected public lands.
- Info about the plants on which butterflies depend via the Alabama Plant Atlas (www.floraofalabama.org).
Citizen Scientists Welcomed
The Atlas welcomes public participation.
If you are a budding butterfly citizen scientist, photographer or just someone who loves “God’s stained glass windows” – feel free to share your sightings and observations to albutterflyatlas@gmail.com. Click the “How to Submit” button for instructions.
