PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Entomologist Jessica Duffy will discuss two rare butterfly species, the Veined White and the West Virginia White, at the Berkshire Green Drinks event on Wednesday, March 12.  

 

The hybrid event will be held both online via Zoom and in-person at Hot Plate Brewing Co. (1 School St., Pittsfield). The in-person social gathering begins at 5:15 p.m., with the presentation and Zoom meeting starting at 6:00 p.m.

 

Duffy's presentation will cover the butterflies' natural history, including their host plants, and the impact of introduced parasitoid wasps and invasive garlic mustard on their populations.  Following the presentation, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) will organize volunteer surveys of the butterflies' habitat and garlic mustard removal efforts in spring 2025 to support Duffy's ongoing research.

 

Duffy holds a Master's degree in Entomology from UMass-Amherst and has worked with the U.S. Forest Service and the USDA.  Berkshire Green Drinks, sponsored by BEAT, is a monthly informal gathering open to the public.  

 

This month's event is co-sponsored by Hot Plate Brewing Co.  More information and registration are available at https://tinyurl.com/March2025-Berks-Green-Drinks.