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Rocky Mountain National Parka photo of Callophrys eryphon, or Western Pine Elfin
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Rocky Mountain National Park
Butterflies

The summer of 2002 was the seventh season for the Rocky Mountain Butterfly project. Volunteer Rich Bray, and his field assistants, monitored butterfly populations on a weekly basis along transects in various park habitats. To date, they have identified 125 butterfly species in the park.

Biologists believe that trends in butterfly populations may provide early warning of the impacts of global warming on the park's flora and fauna.

 

a photo of a Rocky Mountain Parnassian butterfly  

Did You Know?
This Rocky Mountain Parnassian butterfly is a strong flier, even on the windy alpine tundra at 12,000 feet.
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Last Updated: August 29, 2006 at 16:14 EST