The first two days of the environmental volunteer program were spent carrying out some fruitful research under cloudy skies. Despite the unfortunate rain on the final day, the overall three-day research program was successfully completed.
The Reverdin's Blue larvae are less than 1cm in length. Researchers needed to get down on their knees to examine the leaves of the Indigofera plant on which the Reverdin's blue larvae feed. Upon finding a larva, researchers recorded the location using GPS and took photographs. Various information was also recorded on a data sheet, including the number of larval instars (how many times a larva has molted), the presence or absence of accompanying ants, and the ant species. Finally, the branch was marked for identification in subsequent research.
Adults were captured with a net, then held carefully by the thorax while a marker is used to inscribe a number on the under surface of each wing. The butterfly was then released. This marking can be used to collate the data against data collected on other days in order to obtain information such as the butterfly's range of behaviors.
1. Straining the eyes to find a larva
2. Record the location data using GPS
3. Make the subject as large as possible in the photograph
4. Marking the other side of the butterfly's wings
5. Filling out the data sheet
The rain from the previous day was still falling on the morning of the last day. While getting ready for departure, the participants watched the sky with an anxious look. Instead of the usual good mornings, the words on everyone's lips were "do you think we'll be able to do any research today?".
Shortly after half past eight, Mr. Watanabe arrived at the site and announced the plans for the day. His first words were:
![[Image] Mr. Watanabe describing the research location in Nashigahara](images/025.jpg)
Mr. Watanabe describing the research location in Nashigahara
Unfortunately a miracle didn't happen. I was hoping it would be sunny. However, I still want to show you the research location in Nashigahara. It is unlike any locations we have visited thus far. Today's site is located at a height of about 1,000m above sea level where the Indigofera food plants look completely different. The things I would like you to pay attention to today include the volcanic grassland, river bed habitats and the species of ants living in symbiosis with the larvae. Please get your rain gear ready and prepare because it's time to go.
![[Image] Dressed in their wet weather gear, the participants move off](images/027.jpg)
Dressed in raingear, the participants were on their way
The participants split up and set out in two different microbuses for the Nashigahara research location in the Kita-Fuji Training Ground of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. They encountered a few cars going the opposite way because of the rain. The microbuses soon arrived at a gate leading to the training ground. Having received permission to enter on this particular day, they were allowed to pass through the gate.
This is a wintering spot for the Reverdin's Blue's eggs. It is believed that the butterfly usually lays its eggs, which have a diameter of about 0.8 mm, at the base of the Indigofera plants (the species food plant). At this site, however, the butterflies also lay eggs on other materials around the plants. Watch your step because there may be eggs underfoot.
If you look down at your feet, you will see an Indigofera plant marked with a clear plastic plate that has been tied to its stem. It would be horrible if we stepped on the precious eggs. This tells us that we are at a place already monitored. If you look around carefully you will see the plates used for marking.
![[Image] Indigofera plant marked with a clear plastic plate](images/029.jpg)
You will need to look carefully to find the plastic plates because of the inclement weather.
![[Image] Research on the larvae continued in the rain](images/031.jpg)
![[Image] Research on the larvae continued in the rain](images/txt_05.gif)
The participants continued on with the research work without regard to their wet feet. They couldn't resist looking at the foot of Indigofera plants and the underside of the leaves.
Once started, the participants worked diligently. Despite the rain-soaked conditions underfoot, they crouched down to look for larvae and ants without complaining. They didn't seem to care that they were covered in mud because they were so absorbed in the research
![[Image] Checking the undersides of the Indigofera leaves](images/033.jpg)
![[Image] Is that a larva underneath this leaf?](images/comment_04.gif)
Checking the undersides of the Indigofera leaves:
An Indigofera plant on which larvae had previously been found was rechecked. Where had the larvae gone?
Once started, the participants worked on diligently. Despite the rain-soaked conditions underfoot, they crouched down to look for larvae and ants without uttering a word. Having become absorbed in the research, they seemed not to care that they were getting covered in mud.
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