As a rare species biologist I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of unique habitats. This might explain why I have amassed into my database such an extensive library of butterflies and moths. Species like the globally rare Karner Blue butterfly (Plebejus samuelis), pictured here. The Karner blue, like many rare butterflies has evolved with only one plant - the wild blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) that helps explain its vulnerability (image bottom right shows a colleague surveying for the butterfly amongst its host plant).

In addition, I have spent a lot of “after hours” documenting the moths of New Jersey. - attracting the suborder of Lepidoptera, the Heterocerids, with high intensity full spectrum light sources. In my professional life I have developed a tool that land trusts can use to assess the ecological health of an area as it relates to impacts imposed by the human condition with the aid of moth species. This ecological assessment tool is explained in more detail in a recent white paper that I co-authored with Dr. Dan Duran from Rowan University.

If the subject is of further interest you can attend or request an exhibition and program I’ve developed that explains the process - click link here and scroll to the description of the program.

Silent Majority

Karner Blue Butterfly