SPOT In! LADYBUG Scott Plunkett

The Canadian Nature Federation (CNF) is looking for naturalists to help spot ladybugs in their backyards and while on vacation next summer. There are more than 500 different species of ladybugs in North America. However, some of these species have been introduced into the United states from overseas to control aphids in orange groves. These introduced species are fierce competitors and are expanding their range across Canada. There is not enough research available to determine what effect this influx of alien species is having on our native populations of ladybugs.

CNF is recruiting volunteers nationwide to identify lady beetle species they find locally. We have chosen thirteen of the more common lady beetle species, including two introduced species, and produced an identification kit which includes species illustrations, identification tips and natural history information about lady beetles. Our goal is to have individuals identify the species that they find and send in a reporting form outlining the species and where it was found.

The project is part of the Endangered Plants and Invertebrates Program (EPIC). Existing conservation plans concentrate on more visible animals and higher plants, however these species account for less than 10% of the species in Canada. EPIC attempts to protect the remaining 90% including insects, non—vascular plants, fungi, and algae. This program, partially funded by Science Culture Canada, attempts to inform people of the importance that EPIC species play in natural systems.

To receive a copy of the species illustrations with identifying tips, please call or fax 613-562-3447, use email to epiccnf@web.apc.org, mail Scott Plunkett at CNF, 1 Nicholas St. Suite 520, Ottawa, Ontario KIN 787 or use the world wide web at:

http://schoolnet2.carleton.ca/english/math_sci/env_geol/ladybug/

NEWS FROM ABOUT compiled by Dan McAskill

The Long Point Bird Observatory's (LPBO) Doug Tarry Bird Study Awards financially support the development of bird interests in Canadian teenagers aged 13 to 18 years. Recipients of the awards attend a week long workshop/ natural history camp at LPBO learning and training in field ornithology, providing a unique opportunity for like-minded teenagers to enhance and broaden their technical skill and knowledge. Space is limited to 6 participants. For application forms, contact Rosie Kirton, LPBO, Box 160, Port Rowan, Ontario NOE 1M0 (telephone 519-586-3531; fax 519-586-3532). The deadline is May 1, 1996. (adapted from LPBO release).

For the Monarch butterfly, Long Point National Wildlife Area, Point Pelee National park, and Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area were designated as International Monarch Butterfly Reserves on November 3, 1995. This good news was unfortunately followed by winter disaster as an estimated 20,000,000 monarchs died in winter snows, 30 to 35% of the breeding population, in the El Roasario Butterfly Sanctuary in Western Mexico. (adapted from LPBO 27:3 and Globe and Mail, Jan. 3, 1996 A-S).

Our thanks and congratulations go to one of our members, Barry Martin of Summerside’s Home Hardware, for establishing a bird sighting centre at the store's bird feeding section. Such centre's allow bird feeder watchers to contribute their sightings and photographs to our records.

Congratulations go out to Newfoundland’s Protected Areas Association on their receipt of the Minister of Environment's Environmental Achievement Award. (adapted from Fresh Tracks, PAA Prints Fall, 1995)

For the computer wizards out there, Carolyn Seburn, the Eastern Coordinator for amphibian population monitoring (DAPCAN), wishes input on establishing a World Wide

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