Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my science project it is required that we have an interview to go with the written report. I have finished my research and am asking these questions to verify that I have the right information. Please answer these questions as soon as you can. Thanks!

What is this type of butterflies habitat?

What climate do they live in?

Where are these butterflies found?

Where are these butterflies not found?

What do these butterflies look like?

What do these butterflies eat?

What are their predators?

How long are they in each of their life stages (i.e. Chrysalis and caterpillar stages)

How long do they usually live?

Does temperature effect their lifespan?

What is their normal lifespan?

What influences the butterflies to hatch from their chrysalis (cocoon)?

Im sorry these questions are a little bit vague but i need to support my facts with another expert. PLEASE respond as soon as possible! Thanks again!

one more question...

Does temperature effect butterfly growth between each of the stages in their life

(ex. if one was in a warmer climate vs. another in a colder climate would it change how long it take them to turn into a butterfly depending on their climate's temperature)

this is what my project is all about

Hi Epstein,

Usually requests for interviews involve asking expert information about their education and background and how they became interested in a science career. An expert in a particular topic can also provide specific advice for doing an experiment, and that it what we do at science buddies. All of your questions are about facts on Painted Lady butterflies and you should be able to verify the answers at the following sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Lady

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/nymph/plady.htm

http://www.insectlore.com/xlorepedia_st ... _lady.html

I’m not sure if any of there are any entomologists or lepidopterists on the science buddies volunteer staff. I am not an expert on butterflies, but I have helped students with this type of project and we found experts for specific advice at a local natural history museum, and at a county park with a nature center and butterfly garden. You could probably also find someone at a local university or community college who could refer you to a butterfly expert.

Donna Hardy