Science Grab Bag
Bugs
How many species of butterflies were seen in the Athabasca Butterfly 2002 Count?
Answer: There were a total of 31 species seen with new species observed! In total, there are a documented 37 species of butterflies in the greater Athabasca region. Probably the actual total is about 50. Check out our Butterfly Count records. Come out July 2003, no experience or background necessary! See our butterfly checklist for more information.
About how many species of spiders have been collected in the Athabasca Region?
Answer: 200. And the number keeps growing.
How many kinds of dragonflies and damselflies probably occur in the Athabasca area?
Answer: A dozen. See our dragonfly checklist for more information.
Which of the following insects do NOT occur in the Athabasca area?
a) Cicadas
b) Katydids
c) Deer Flies
d) Praying Mantids
Answer: d) Praying mantids, that have modified front legs for capturing prey, do NOT occur in the region. Cicadas are a large bug that rubs its wings together to create a loud buzz, Katydids are a relative of grasshoppers that is green and flattened from side-to-side and Deer flies are small horse flies that have patterned wings. Cicadas, Katydids and Deer Flies however, are quite common in the region.
How many species of mosquitoes are present in Alberta?
a) 1
b) 4
c) 10
d) 18
Answer: b) Four. Anopheles, Ades, Culex and Mansonia.
Are there any species of butterflies common around Athabasca that can survive our harsh winter as Adults?
Answer: Yes! There are two species in the family Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflys) that overwinter as adults. The Mourning Cloak and Milbert's Tortoiseshell. See our butterfly checklist for more information.
Science Outreach Athabasca - September 26, 2012
