How we survey
UV flashlights
Our primary method is to go out after sunset, ultraviolet (UV) flashlights in hand, in search of caterpillars that fluoresce. Many caterpillar species fluoresce when UV light is shined on them, and this fluorescence is easier to see in the dark.
Example of a caterpillar fluorescing
(Photos taken in High Park)
Photo taken at night with a flash
The same individual fluorescing as UV light is shined on it. The photo was taken with the fluorescence being the only source of illumination (it is blurry due to being taken handheld at a slow shutter speed).
Visual searches
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On occasion, we do daytime sessions to search for species of caterpillars that feed within leaf tissues or other plant parts, or that manipulate leaves in various ways to create shelters.
Beating sheet
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From time to time we sample vegetation using a beating sheet, either during the daytime or after sunset.