beyondtoday_keisa’s blog

Silvery Blue Butterfly

There are many animals, insects, reptiles, and so much more, in extinction or endangered species in our country and around the globe. One that can relate to us, right here in Illinois is the Silvery Blue butterfly (Glaucopsyche lygdamus).  Me and another intern went over to the nature museum to interview a scientist specialized in butterflies. We discovered many things about the silvery blue butterfly. Its extinction became documented in 1930, in California, San Francisco. It lives mostly in savannahs (open wood lands) and its host plants mainly-but not restrict to- American vetch. We were also told that there are 3 things that we could to do to bring this butterfly to life. 1) Habitat Restoration, 2) “Something” Legislative, 3) Surveys.

We don’t see many open wood areas here in Illinois, especially in the Chicago metropolitan area. This is due to the enlargement of the city and the need of more space to actually build-up the city. Thus, destroying a little that is left of our natural eco-system. I truly believe that the constant use of insecticides, germicides, pesticides, any kind of spray, and others -cides, contribute to the loss in number of other species, not just the one you are trying to get rid of.

After all, anything that you use in form of spray to kill bugs are chemicals. No matter how much you research it, or try to make it safe and under control, it can cause damages to nature, and later affecting us. We are living just like any rat lab at the cost of chemical companies and, sadly, bribery.

    On July 25th, a South Side woman, age 56, was hospitalized due to encephalitis, claiming that the main cause was the West Nile Virus. Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. It can result also from bacterial infection, such as bacterial meningitis, or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like rabies (viral) or syphilis (bacterial). What is more interesting is that the media and the hospital are not disclosing the woman's name or information. In addition, they did not tell that only 0.7% of the infected has this type of seriousness.

Wnv_transmission

    For those who are not so familiar with the WNV, I will explain it the best way I can. It is a viral disease spread through a mosquito during mid summer and fall. From researches, we have seen that this mosquito tend to affect the elderly and also people with their immune systems already endangered; not as much as children and adults, but it doesn’t mean that they cannot be affected by the virus. Another fact that many don't know is that the female mosquito carries the virus,--by biting birds that maintain the virus--and so the larvae that she will lay will also contain the virus. So it is very important that, we, Chicagoans, get rid of standing water. By empting water from flower pots, pet food, and water dishes, birdbath, swimming pool covers (that's a big one!), buckets, barrels, cans, bottles, tires, or anything that has standing water in your yard or garage, you are actually reducing the number of places that the mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. Another alternative way to protect yourself is to wear repellents, pants, and long sleeve shirts. And especially not to go out during dawn or dusk, because that’s when the mosquitoes are more imminent.

West Nile Virus - Mosquito

    In 2002, many people were affected by this virus; causing uproar and making people go for extreme means of solution-mass spraying of the Anvil pesticide. Not so much is known about this, thus NO LONG TERM testing has been done yet. All we know is that it is a carcinogen, which means it mimics our body hormones, especially estrogen in the woman's body. As any general pesticide, it can be a cause of cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, and conditions like autism. Also spraying is not effective at all. It does not kill the actual mosquitoes flying, but the larvae. Ok, it kills the larvae, but mosquitoes can reproduce faster than rabbits, and sometimes, mosquitoes do not need a mate for fertilization. So why spray something that can obviously be bad? Influenza and car accidents takes up more life’s every year than WNV, I feel bad of saying that, because people are dying but it is true! And honestly, more people are going to, not because of the virus itself, but for the NOT TESTED pesticide. With that in mind, I strongly believe it is up to us to do something about it.

    Educate yourself, research; don’t just be listening to what ever the news is saying... Want to know the truth? Research... I did my part, and I know I can do more. Now, it is up to you.... If you want to walk on Pulaski Rd. and be sprayed on your face while carrying your baby, or to take action! I had that experience last year on Lawrence St... I was walking and they sprayed me head to toe at 7 o'clock. I was on the wrong day, place, and really bad timing! It tasted horrible, and the smell... I don't even know like what it smells.

So call your alderman regarding this issue before it is too late.

P.S.: I wonder if you are bitten by a rodent, or something of the sort, -bitten by the mosquito and carring the virus- if you can possibly get west niles too. That would be interesting to know. If you know, comment me here please...

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It is awesome to be part of this environmental group, that only brings admirable things to our community and Chicago... Glad to be an intern!