Rocky Mountain National Park Butterflies: East of the Divide

Butterflies are easily observed in every life zone of Rocky Mountain National Park. Learn basic butterfly biology, behavior and identification. In the field, visit several different habitats on the east slope of the park to search for summer species, such as pale swallowtail, blues, several fritillaries, hoary comma and Weidemeyer’s admiral. Learn to identify these species, and also discuss their life histories and ecology, host-plant associations and conservation concerns. Observation will rely on binoculars and digital photography; however, the instructor will have a net-and-release permit to allow participants a close-up look at a variety of species.

(CSM credit available)

Meets at the Field Institute

Instructors: Paul Opler and Evi Buckner Opler