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Duke Forest butterflies >> Finding and identifying
When searching for butterflies, keep the following habitat conditions in mind:
- Warm and sunny -- Look for them on warm, sunny days. Because butterflies cannot generate much body heat on their own, they are generally active only when it's warm and at least somewhat sunny.
- Flowers -- Look closely at flowers. Many species of butterflies can be easily observed while they're sipping nectar from flowers (nectaring).
- Mud, stream banks, scat, and rotting fruit -- Some species of butterflies prefer to get their food and moisture requirements from these alternate sources.
- Dirt roads & trails -- During the morning hours, butterflies are often found basking on sunny patches on dirt roads.
- Open areas -- Butterflies are most often found where the sun shines in open areas such as wide trails, roadsides, power line corridors, fields and stream banks. They are found less often in shade.
Identification tips
A good pair of close-focusing (to 6 feet or less) binoculars are very helpful for watching butterflies. Note the overall size, shape, colors, and pattern of the markings on the upperside and underside if possible. Then consult a good field guide such as Butterflies Through Binoculars: The East by Jeffrey Glassberg, or The Kaufman Focus Guide to Butterflies of North America by Jim Brock and Kenn Kaufman. Be sure to also note the time of year and consult this checklist to see which species are expected that season.
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