In the citizen science project Caterpillars Count!, participants conduct surveys on the branches of trees and shrubs to monitor seasonal variation and abundance of arthropods like caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, and to establish critical baseline data for evaluating long term trends. The project aims to better understand insect declines (and hence bird declines), shifts in seasonal insect activity, impacts of climate change and urbanization, and importance of insect-host plant relationships. To date, 2,500 participants have conducted 140,000 surveys across 37 states and provinces in North America.

The project can be easily carried out ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD with woody vegetation, especially:

• nature and environmental education centers;
• parks and botanical gardens;
• school campuses (used at 11 colleges and universities); and
• private backyards.

For more details on the project and what hosting a survey site for Caterpillars Count! entails, watch the short video on our project website, and check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Register for one of our free webinars offered in April and learn how to get involved!

• Tuesday, April 21: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM (ET)
• Wednesday, April 29: 12:00 PM–1:30 PM (ET)

In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us if we can answer any questions. You can reach the team by emailing caterpillarscount@gmail.com.

Best wishes,

Allen Hurlbert
Professor
Department of Biology
University of North Carolina
Director, Caterpillars Count!