Long-term Butterfly Monitoring

Butterfly monitoring on Metroparks properties is conducted by trained volunteers in association with a statewide survey sponsored by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Ohio Lepidopterists, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Ohio Biological Survey. Since many butterflies are specialist species with restricted and obligate larval food sources, their biodiversity helps to measure the quality of the surrounding habitats, making them indicators of healthy, functioning ecosystems. This type of monitoring is especially important within the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio, where natural area restoration and land corridor connections frequently occur. Volunteers gather data (submitted annually to Ohio Lepidopterists) from five fixed transects: Monclova (since 2012), Swan Creek Preserve (2014), Campbell/Mary’s Savanna (1999), Wiregrass Lake (2020), and Wildwood (2008).  Each transect has been routed to include a diverse arrangement of habitats. Data reflects diversity and abundance with a focus on Ohio rarities and other species of local concern. Rarities that include species of “local interest,” often representing specific natural habitats, are Leonard’s Skipper (Hesperia leonardus) and Edward’s Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii). The Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) has been the most abundant butterfly documented each year on most of the Metropark transects. Campbell Prairie consistently has the highest diversity of species; then Monclova (Oak Openings Preserve), Wildwood Preserve, Wiregrass Lake, and Swan Creek Preserve. Data from this study has been used in the following research papers:

• Unexpected phenological responses of butterflies to the interaction of urbanization and geographic temperature [Read]
• Butterfly Abundance declines over 20 years of systematic monitoring in Ohio, USA [Read]