Over the course of the expedition we were all given personal journals to keep track of our days. We were also assigned a team journal. In it, we were able to record notable occurrences. Here are the entries for our time spent at the Southwest Research Station in Arizona.

Ø July 3, 2005

Hi. It’s Amy! Our caterpillar collection has definitely grown. We have 63 caterpillars. We have species from Hesperiidae, Geometriidae, and Arctiidae. The Wooly Bears are so cute. Today, Tara, Laura, Angela, and I went to a higher elevation for collecting. We only found two. But the other group got a big haul. We are having a blast! ---Amy

Ø July 4, 2005

Today we split into two teams again. On the hill, we found some cool caterpillars. I wanted to call one “Apocryphal red & yellow scary caterpillar”, but that was voted down. Starr and Helen are designing web pages, Angela is the photographer, Connie does zoo (caterpillar day-to-day care), and Amy and I enter data into the computer. We’re having an awesome time here, and tonight we are crossing the state line to attend a patriotic parade celebration! We will (gasp!) be in street clothes, so we won’t look like victims of the caterpillars. ---Laura

Ø July 5, 2005

Today the whole caterpillar team went into the mountains above SWRS. The area was cooler and greener. There were three different teams in their own separate plots. Geometrids were mostly found. Thankfully nothing attacked us. I had a lovely time today. ---Connie

Ø July 7, 2005

Hiii! Today, we all went down to about 4,500 ft. It was hot and dry, not exactly caterpillar heaven. Much to our glee, however, we found six caterpillars. It was surprising. Most of their host plants were Western Honey Mesquite. I have a zillion scratches from the thorny bushes. I also have a huge slash on my calf. It looks vicious, but it doesn’t hurt at all. Bye! ---Amy Elaine

Ø July 8, 2005

It has finally rained, and there was hail falling too! Hopefully, there will be a lot more caterpillars around to find. Camping last night was fun. We used a huge black light and some sheets to attract some adults. Strangely, there weren’t too many of them. It was nice sleeping out there. Lee says we might go camping again. Can’t wait! ---Connie

Ø July 9, 2005

I can’t believe it’s Saturday already. One more week and I’m going to have to leave the station. I haven’t gotten homesick yet, but I think I might go into shock from greenery withdrawal. Things are going to be so different. I’ll get to see my friends, but I’m going to miss my new friends so very much. At least Helen lives closer to me. As I was waiting for the camera to reload, I drew on myself…but then I realized that I had paper. ---Angela

Ø July 10, 2005

Caterpillars are pupating! I’m so excited for that. I hope to see a couple of caterpillars become adults before we leave! ---Connie

ü Hiii!! Today we went to a higher elevation. We focused on Douglas Firs. After we finished our plots, we set about to generally search other Dougs. On one particular Doug, I grabbed the branch to further dishevel the caterpillars. When I pulled my hand back, I felt a funny tingly feeling. I looked down to find my hand covered with ants! I wildly shook my hand and managed to escape any stings or bites. I thought I got away free until Annie asked, “What is that smell?” I smelled it too, a bitter smell. Reluctantly, I smelled my hands. Turns out that those ants were Formacine ants. Consequently, I had formic acid all over my hands. I ran to my backpack and whipped out my mango mandarin hand sanitizer. All is now well. What a stink! ---Amy Elaine

Ø July 11, 2005

Okay. Today was our off day. I really do enjoy off days. I planned on sleeping until two o’clock, but Chris interrupted that. He asked that Angela and I help him collect lizards. We trotted down the road into a rocky area. I had to climb up steep hills and rocks to get to those lizards. How many times do you think I fell? Anyway, it was nice. For me, it was an adventure that needed to end around 11:30 am. (I wanted to go to lunch.) After that, I slept for a while. Now I’m here making this website. ***Yesterday was a thrill! I was supposed to put the caterpillars in their newly cleaned bags. Now I am terrified of bugs, a.k.a caterpillars. I thought I put all the fat furry ones into the bag. How about there was one that I missed. It was right between my legs. Boy, let tell you! I was in shock. I got up, wanted to run, and shouted “Lord have mercy Jesus!” Annie was laughing. Ha-ha! ---Starr

ü Hello~ (hiking) Helen

Ø July 12, 2005