National Butterfly Center Requesting Help from Citizen Scientists

(Mission, TX) – The National Butterfly Center is calling all citizen scientists to assist with a native plant survey across one dozen South Texas counties, in search of two species of succulent, Texas Tuberose (Manfreda maculosa) and Longflower Tuberose (Manfreda longiflora). These two plant species are limited in both range and in numbers. As a result, the butterfly that depends upon it as host, the Manfreda Giant Skipper (Stallingsia maculosus), has practically disappeared from the landscape.

Thanks to funding from the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation, the center is organizing an all-volunteer effort to identify manfreda populations on public and private lands south of Travis County, according to known current and historical plant populations. Scouting and monitoring would take place April – June and August – October, during the plants’ flowering seasons, because the species are so similar in appearance they may be best distinguished by their blooms. Landowners who know or suspect they have manfreda present are also encouraged to participate.

Once located and positively identified, the geographic information for the plant populations will be recorded, along with the number of specimens, size, physical condition and other relevant data, including any evidence of caterpillar or butterfly activity. Wherever possible, frass traps would be set to enhance detection of the Manfreda Giant Skipper.

Participants would be required to visit their assigned plants for inspection at two times per week, during the 6-8 week blooming period. Visitation would cease after seeds from the plants were collected, if allowed, so they may be labeled and catalogued for propagation. Volunteers are eligible to receive a small stipend for fuel.

“We are grateful to the investment the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation is making in this study,” states Marianna Trevino Wright, executive director of the National Butterfly Center. “The Manfreda Giant Skipper is a natural treasure few have ever seen, and one that may soon be lost as its host plant becomes increasingly rare. Unfortunately, the plant populations that sustain the butterfly are shrinking due to property development, right-of-way maintenance and predation by javelina and feral hogs; so, this initiative is the first step in determining the extent to which this unique Texan still has a home here.”

Two virtual meetings will be hosted by the center in March to educate and train volunteers for this Covid-friendly, outdoor activity. Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about the Manfreda Conservation Project is encouraged to call 956.583.5400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To learn more about the National Butterfly Center, and how you can join us, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.

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The National Butterfly Center is committed to ‘Growing Connections’ between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. We do this through educational and environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of the processes that create sustainable ecosystems. The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week.