Central Kentucky butterfly observers have spotted about 83 species of the insect over the last few years. Participating in an annual count are officials with Fayette County’s Floracliff Nature Sanctuary.
Preserve Director Beverly James says butterflies can be an indicator species for the health of habitats. Although not getting as much attention as bees, James noted butterflies are also pollinators. “I think they’re starting to get more attention. I would say in the insect world butterflies are certainly some of our charismatic insects that we have. They, in general, insects don’t get as much attention as birds when it comes to documenting populations and trends and their numbers,” said James.
James said migration, as noted with the monarch butterfly, is seen in parts of Kentucky. She added more butterflies may be spotted in western Kentucky with its heavier grassland areas.?
Beverly James with Floracliff explains more about butterfly activity in central Kentucky:
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