Caterpillars Count! A Citizen Science Training Program

Caterpillars and other arthropods are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. They also have economic and environmental impacts on our forests and crops. Caterpillars, a type of arthropod, are one of the most important sources of food for many migratory birds, and provide a tasty snack for growing nestlings. Climate change is affecting the timing of spring leaf out, insect activity, and bird migration and breeding. But are the plants, insects and birds all responding to the same degree?

If either insects or birds are not keeping up with phenological shifts of the other organisms that they depend on, then further climate change may have negative consequences for their populations.

Come out to Sedgwick County Zoo to learn how and why we count caterpillars (and other tree-dwelling arthropods). With a little arthropod training (and cheat sheets), we will count and document what see to provide data on bird’s favorite treats.  Learn more about Caterpillars Count at https://caterpillarscount.unc.edu/

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Register below for Caterpillars Count, a free Citizen Science program at the Sedgwick County Zoo.

Get Your Tickets Now

Members      Non-Members

Terms and Conditions: Each person over the age of six months who attends any education program must have a ticket. Space is limited. Tickets will be scanned at the door. All classes take place rain or shine. Your purchase serves as your permission for use of your image by Sedgwick County Zoo. All reservations are final. Ticket may not be copied or resold and may be used only once. Tickets will not be replaced if lost, stolen or unused. No refunds.