Do you grow cruciferous vegetables? Kale, radish, collard greens, bok choy, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels’ sprouts, kohlrabi, etc.? Well then we need your help to learn about the organisms that eat them, as well as those that protect them. There are two ways you can help.
One way is by catching cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae) in your garden or anywhere you see them. This butterfly is actually not native to North America. It recently (~150 yrs ago) invaded many parts of the world and is now one of the most successful and abundant butterflies on the planet! Oh yes, it and has a ravenous appetite for crucifers. We will use DNA from butterflies you collect, along with those from all over the world to learn how this butterfly adapts to changes in its environment. Grab a butterfly net and get started here!
The second way to participate is to help find parasitoids in your garden. What is a parasitoid? They are usually flies or wasps that hunt the herbivores in your garden. There are two ways to find them. Collect pupae you find in your garden, place them in a cup and see what emerges. This is really fun as you never know what will come out! The other is to put out sticky traps that the parasitoids will get stuck on (and other garden pests such as aphids). This will help us learn more about these often unsung heroes of your garden—where they live and who they eat =)
Find out more about the project and how you can get some sticky traps sent to you here.
You can also contact the director of both projects with any questions you have: Dr. Sean Ryan
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