Biology of larvae and adults of erynnis propertius at the northern edge of its range

Kirsten M. Prior, Jason D.K. Dzurisin, Shannon L. Pelini, Jessica J. Hellmann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe aspects of the life history of Erynnis propertius (Scudder and Burgess) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) by examining several populations over multiple years. We focused on peripheral populations of this species because they are isolated, are threatened by habitat loss, and may play an important role in driving poleward range expansion under increasing regional temperature. Our findings show that the annual larval growth rate does not vary directly with temperature, adult flight phenology and the timing of key resources respond to average daytime temperatures in spring, and population-density patterns among sites are robust over years across a broad region near the species' northern range limit. In addition, we provide descriptions of all larval instars for this species. This fundamental information about the biology, timing, and abundance of this species will facilitate further experimental study and improved assessment of its conservation status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)161-171
Number of pages11
JournalCanadian Entomologist
Volume141
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was funded by the Office of Science (BER), United States Department of Energy, Grant No. DE-FG02–05ER64023, and by the Endangered Species Recovery Fund of World Wildlife Canada, and Environment Canada. The following agencies provided access to study sites: Department of National Defence, Capital Regional District Parks, British Columbia Parks, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Friends of Government House, and High Salal Strata Corporation. Field assistants included Dustin Beauchamp, Lauren Breza, Gina Chavez, Greg Crutsinger, Jessica Gleffe, Vince Hellmann, Kate Kleaveland, Travis Marsico, Karen McKendry, Christine Moore, Derrick Parker, Neil Vargas, and Caroline Williams. Comments on the manuscript were graciously provided by Travis Marsico, the journal editors, and two anonymous reviewers.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Biology of larvae and adults of erynnis propertius at the northern edge of its range'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this