[LEPS-L:7872] Re: [SoWestLep] Mexico expands monarch butterfly habitat

[Leptraps at aol.com]

I spent many years collecting butterflies in the Florida, as a visitor and as 
a Florida resident. Spraying insecticides to control mosquitos was a common 
practice going back to the early 50's (my best guess at a date). At the same 
period of time, the growth of development accelerated and by the mid-90s 
began to take a serious toll on invertebrates in general with the exception 
of mosquitos, which continued to be a problem (a perceived problem, no, a 
nuisance pest, yes). When I returned to Florida in 1998, I ran traps (Light & 
Bait) in the Keys. There were nights that I would take only a few mosquitos 
at best. However, the practice of spraying insecticides began to decrease in 
1996. 

North Key Largo with its hammocks began to recover from development clearing 
and the majority of the it fell into state and federal hands. North Key Largo 
is very lush and green and looks spectacular. One would think that there 
would be an abundance of bugs, other than mosquitos. There were few bugs to 
be found in 1998.

The best year in the Keys since 1991, was 1999, the Lower Keys provided some 
great collecting while the Upper Keys were improving. Although there is no 
"scientific proof" nor a real study, it is very evident that when the 
insecticides stopped, the bugs recovered, somewhat.

I am an ardent collector, I enjoy getting among em. However, the spraying of 
insecticides does kill what ever it can, including butterflies, moths and any 
invertebrate that comes in contact with it. The longer the period of 
spraying, the more harm done. 

I do not approve of NABA and the anti-collecting attitude. I do, however, 
agree with there assessment of mosquito control.

Leroy C. Koehn
202 Redding Road
Georgetown, KY  40324
Tele.: 502-570-9123
Cell: 502-803-5422
E-Mail: Leptraps at aol.com

"Let's get among em"

 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl