Need some questions to ask in an interview

I'm writing a few articles this summer, and I thought it might be nice to interview my contact at Western KY University.

What would you ask a college professor who loved Lepidoptera? Sort of play the '20 Questions' thing.

I'm thinking about stuff like, how to organize a group for a field trip, How to catch and release without harming, best ways to identify....but I'm sure several of you have great questions that will add bunches to the depth of what I can put together. After I thought of doing the interview, I realized that I don't know enough about the subject to ask very many intelligent questions.

I need suggestions....don't be afraid to ask anything...what would you want to know if you had the ear of a trained entomologist? My guy specializes in leps, so we'll keep the questions directly involving them. (he's got buddies that I can call on for beetles and flies though)

By the way, everyone here will be able to read the article.


edited 'cause i can't spell

This message was edited Jul 25, 2007 6:58 PM

I think a very important question would be

Are we really doing more good than harm by collecting and raising butterflies and moths ourselves verses leaving it all up to Mother Nature

Wonderful question Donna!!!! That is just what I'm looking for!!

Keep 'em coming....

What native wildflowers are the best used for a given area to create a natural environment for native b'flies, and what is the best source for the answer? (Wildlife Refuge Rangers, county extention office, local county agent?)

Can / should someone "set aside" a given area, throw in some native seeds, and just let Nature take its course?

These are questions I'd love to have feedback on since it is what I hope to do. I'm not into capturing and raising cats - just letting nature do what is best.

Another great question!! Both are going on my list.

I'd like to have enough material for a 600 to 1000 word article.

Has there any kind of study on the advantages of native wildflowers versus enhanced/altered flowers for "bigger, better blooms" - like the plants or seeds bought in stores.

I wonder about this because I see more b'flies on flowers out in the wild than I do in my yard where I have 'purchased' plants that are supposedly b'fly favorites. I do see some here at home of the same types I see out in the fields, just not in the same numbers. I do realize that quantity and conditions like the amount of sun, etc make a difference. I just have this idea in my head of going "natural".

I would also like to find a good source for IDing b'flies in my area - both adults and cats and life habits.

I know many people raise the cats. Are there any plans for building good "cat cages" that are easy for maintainence and effective for good release rate? Something the average household could work as a family project - involving kids as well.

And what are the best ways to involve all children in this type of project to teach them about Nature? Could something like raising b'flies work in place of a puppy or kitten for families who can't manage a fourfooted furry pet?

What plants can a child put in a garden to attract b'flies?

How many schools have garden programs for the children to get hands on/in experience? Not only b'flies but any kinds of birds, bugs, etc, that are native to their area. Teach children to respect Nature and the endangered species lists will slowly disappear as the kids grow and protect the little things that they have learned all about and learned to enjoy.

I think you have a wonderful project going here. Please keep us up dated. I'll try to think up more things that I'd like more info on.

ginni

Expanding on tgif's question, I would ask which indigenous trees, shrubs and vines are the best host plant for which butterflies? Also, which indigenous host plants and nectar plants are the best for attracting which butterflies? After we've planted the correct indigenous host and nectar plants, what else do they need? In other words, what do we need to do to have the most successful experience with butterflies choosing our properties, other than providing them with the indigenous host and nectar plants. I would also ask what non-native species is the most harmful to butterflies.

Thanks for the expansion terryr - you seem to be thinking like me - just a bit faster.

I would like to see more child interaction with everything that is around them. I think b'flies are the perfect place to start. There are lots of things out there that we can plant or protect that will help keep the balance.

Melody - Field trips for school kids, growing a b'fly garden, learning the types of flora and fauna for the region, and how it all interacts - all of these should be encouraged, but *someone* with knowledge about the area is the place to start. So, ask about what programs are in place and how these can be enhanced and expanded.

(you could get a *book* going here on this subject!)

Great suggestions! I really like the participation that this thread is generating. I plan on getting an outline together in the next couple of weeks and then scheduling a time for the interview.

This guy is a college professor, so has day to day experience with teaching these subjects on an advanced level. I think this will be an informative article for everyone on many levels.

Melody - I would like to know if there is dwindling populations of butterflies? All this talk about global warming as well as the continued progress and development going on ..... I'd like to know if and how this might be affecting butterfly populations now and in the future?

This message was edited Jul 24, 2007 10:17 PM

Ooooh, good one Becky!

I'm making a file of these topics and questions....ya'll have put some thought to what you'd like to know, that's for sure.

My guy has a PhD from Duke Univ. so don't be afraid to ask anything your hearts desire.....He should be able to handle it.


Keep 'em coming!