Insects - Reiman Gardens (original) (raw)
Advancing an Appreciation of Insects
We're known for our butterflies, but there's so much more to see and experience! Reiman Gardens' Entomology Department manages the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, Entomology Lab, Emergence Chambers, Insect Display Cases, and the Iowa Butterfly Survey Network.
Iowa Butterfly Survey Network
The ultimate goal of the Iowa Butterfly Survey Network (IBSN), managed by Reiman Gardens, is to educate Iowans about butterflies and encourage them to take an active role in conservation.
Of the 110 species of butterflies believed to live in Iowa, more than one fourth are listed as endangered, threatened or "of special concern” making their long-term survival questionable in the state.
The IBSN uses both trained volunteer citizen scientists and conservation professionals to monitor and survey habitat areas for butterfly populations. ISBN data gives a baseline data for researchers on existing populations and their range, identify potential threats, identify beneficial or potentially harmful land management practices, show effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts, and give an annual snapshot of the health of all butterfly populations in Iowa.
Apply to become an IBSN-trained volunteer citizen scientist in your community.
Butterfly Longevity Study
Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University has recently launched a new butterfly longevity study. Over the next year, the Entomology staff at Reiman Gardens will tag butterflies in the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing with a yellow sticker on its right hind wing with a unique alpha code. This code will help staff track how long the butterflies live and how often they are seen in the Wing by visitors.
Visitors to the Butterfly Wing can assist with this study by recording their observations during their visits, which will contribute valuable data to research efforts. Accessing the data entry application can be done by scanning the QR code conveniently located in the entry vestibule or within the Wing. For a step-by-step guide on how to participate, you can view a short video on the Reiman Gardens YouTube page at this link.
Join us in unraveling the mysteries of butterfly longevity! Your involvement is instrumental in advancing the understanding of these magnificent creatures.