NPS Several species of butterflies can be observed at Fort Matanzas National Monument. Depending on the time of year, Gulf Fritillary, Ceraunus Blue, many varieties of Swallowtails, Skippers, and Sulphurs may be seen. These pollinators have wingspans that range from 0.25 to about 3.5 inches. They take advantage of the vegetation in the dune system, coastal hammocks, and other areas to consume nectar and provide cover from predators. The life of a butterfly begins in an egg. The egg resides on a plant that the caterpillar will spend its time feeding on. These plants may vary depending on the species of butterfly. For example, the Ceraunus Blue will inhabit the partridge pea. Once the caterpillar hatches from the egg, it takes about 2 weeks to develop. When it is ready, it will stop eating, hang upside down, and wrap itself into a cocoon. During this time, they go through a metamorphosis, where after 10 to 14 days, they will emerge from the cocoon as a butterfly. The typical lifespan of a butterfly varies, but most live about one month. Once a butterfly mates, the female will lay its eggs on its host plant and the lifecycle begins all over again. These winged insects come in a variety of colors throughout the color spectrum including white, blue, purple, yellow, orange, and black. These colors can be used to camouflage while certain colors serve as “warning” signs to predators. Vibrant colors like red and orange in nature often signify to other animals that an organism is poisonous. The Gulf Fritillary has an orange coloration that mimics other poisonous animals to deter predation. The best conditions to spot butterflies are on warm, sunny days with barely any wind. If it is too windy, the butterflies will clamp down in the vegetation to avoid being swept away. With thousands of tiny lenses in their compound eyes, they have excellent vision, capable of seeing a variety of colors and fast movements. This allows them to find different flowering plants to consume their food, which can include nectar, tree sap, and rotting fruit. When the butterflies land on different plants, they taste it with their legs through receptors. Butterflies are excellent pollinators and are vital for ecosystem diversity by helping plants reproduce. Impacts like climate change, pollution, insecticide use, habitat loss, and invasive species all play a role in the decline of butterflies. The presence or absence of butterflies indicate the overall health of an ecosystem. Currently, butterfly monitoring within the park is conducted monthly to provide trends that contribute to conservation measures. However, individuals can make a positive impact towards the overall butterfly population by planting native species that are friendly towards butterflies, avoiding pesticides in their own gardens, and assisting with land conservation initiatives. |
Last updated: August 16, 2024