Key terms
Insect
Insects are the most diverse group of animals, with more than a million described species; they represent more than half of all animal species. They are grouped together into two sub-classes called the Apterygota (wingless insects) and the Pterygota (winged insects). They have bodies divided into three segments, three pairs of jointed legs, no backbones, a hard exoskeleton (a skeleton on the outside of the body) and hatch from eggs.
Monarch Butterfly
A large butterfly, with striking orange, black and white markings. Each fall, monarchs migrate from southern Canada to their wintering sites in the mountain forests of Mexico. This is one of the world’s longest insect migrations.
Pollination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from one plant to another, to produce seeds. This is most often by an insect, animal or the wind.
Why study insects?
Insects play an important role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and decomposing waste. In 2024, insects will be studied to confirm the presence of Monarch Butterflies. Monarch Butterfly species are federally endangered and play an important role as pollinators.
By conducting these studies, Alto planners will better understand these insects and how their habitats might change while building and operating the new railway, what is needed to protect them, and determine a baseline for future studies.
What do insect studies involve?
Insect studies for the Monarch Butterfly involve walking through its known habitat near the project and recording the density of its host plant, milkweed, and the number of Monarch Butterflies present (i.e., adults, caterpillars, egg masses) on the existing railroad right-of-way
