Caterpillars Count! 1.5.5

Caterpillars Count! is a project that engages citizen scientists to assist in the study of vital organisms within our ecosystems - caterpillars and other insects. Participants conduct surveys of the surrounding plants and trees to contribute valuable data.

Reasons to survey caterpillars:

1. Caterpillars serve as a crucial food source for birds and wildlife.
2. Some caterpillars have significant economic and environmental impacts on forests and crops.
3. Caterpillars offer insights into the effects of climate change on ecosystems.

By submitting observations, participants help:

• Understand insect abundance variations across rural and urban areas.
• Conduct broad-scale geographic comparisons globally.
• Track changes in caterpillar and insect populations through seasonal shifts from spring to summer.
• Study year-to-year fluctuations in caterpillar abundance across seasons.

Scientist will analyze the submitted data, which can be visualized on the project's website along with data from other contributors. To get involved, visit caterpillarscount.unc.edu for further information!