How you can help
The year 2017 was amazing: 215 citizen scientists brought in 2,235 specimens from Boulder to Pueblo, enabling us to produce a comprehensive distribution map of the beetle for the Denver metro area, which was published by the Denver Post in 2018. In 2018 and 2019, we wanted to see if the beetles invaded areas that were not affected the year before: western Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Commerce City, Thornton, and Broomfield to Loveland. While those areas were much less affected than central and southern Denver Metro, we received several records from citizen scientists. The Japanese beetle is spreading its wings and is likely to invade suburban areas previously unaffected. If you encounter Japanese beetles in areas not represented in the map below, please collect a few and preserve them in a well-sealed vial or bag. The preferred storage is in 70% rubbing alcohol in a tight container. Attach a note with the following information:
- the location (address) where the beetles were found;
- when they were collected; and
- who collected them.
Unfortunately, because of Covid-related restrictions, you cannot bring them to the Museum any day. I will be in the Museum only one day a week. So please contact me at [email protected] or leave me a message at 303.370.8244. I will come back to you and work something out that is most convenient to you.
Thank you again for your invaluable help! This is a project that could not be done without your support.
We will update the online distribution map and our online database with your records soon after I received them.