Unplugged but connected

APP

A new app designed by a UC Davis grad student disproves the theory that you need to unplug to connect with nature. The Butterfly Guide, co-developed by Melissa Whitaker, a Ph.D. candidate in ecology, and two computer-science undergrads, Joey Jiron and Bryan Maass, features photos and descriptions of butterflies and adult caterpillers for 117 species found in the Bay Area, Delta region and Sacramento Valley. Drawing on more than three decades’ worth of data compiled by Art Shapiro, a UC Davis professor in evolution and ecology, the free iPhone and iPad app lets users look up butterflies by common name, scientific name, family and color. http://tinyurl.com/butterflyguide.