Butterflies serve as important biodiversity indicators for ecosystem health and provide food for many organisms, such as migrating birds. There are more than 100 species of butterflies in New Hampshire, but data on their presence and distribution is limited. With butterflies using forests, fields, wetlands, and backyards all over the state, volunteer observations are critical to providing a landscape view of these species.
The NH Butterfly Monitoring Network encourages individuals to share their butterfly sightings on various platforms. It’s easy to start contributing data. Download the iNaturalist and eButterfly apps to start recording sightings in local conservation areas, parks, or even your own backyard!
iNaturalist
Submit your butterfly sightings to contribute to a larger dataset of the 100+ species found in New Hampshire. Your observations will help biologists, researchers, and land managers learn more about the presence and distribution of butterflies in the state and inform the need for action to protect them into the future
VISIT THE NH BUTTERFLY MONITORING NETWORK PROJECT ON INATURALIST
eButterfly
A real-time, online checklist and photo storage program, eButterfly provides a way for people anywhere to report, organize and access information about butterflies. eButterfly documents the presence or absence of species, as well as abundance.
VISIT e-BUTTERFLY TO LEARN MORE
Join a Count Circle
The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) conducts annual surveys to collect data on butterfly species across North America. These surveys provide insight into the geographical distribution and relative population sizes of the species counted, changes in butterfly populations, and how habitat and weather changes affect butterfly populations. Counts take place in July, are open to public participation, and new participants are encouraged.