D3086: Effects of host plants on the survival and development time of the St. Francis’ satyr butterfly

Monday, November 14, 2022

9:00 AM – 6:30 PM PT

Location: West Exhibit Hall A

Presenting Author(s)

IB

Izzy Bur

Washington State University
Vancouver, Washington

Co-Author(s)

DP

David Pavlik

Michigan State University
Hickory Corners, Michigan
NH

Nick Haddad

Michigan State University
Hickory Corners, Michigan

^{Understanding caterpillar-host plant interactions is necessary for developing conservation strategies for butterfly species. The St. Francis’ satyr (Neonympha mitchellii francisci) is a federally endangered butterfly found only within the Fort Bragg Military Installation in North Carolina. Since 2011, researchers at Fort Bragg have been creating and restoring habitat for the St. Francis’ Satyr in wetlands dominated by Carex mitchelliana, a known host plant for this species. Both Carex atlantica and Carex mitchelliana are used as host plants for the St. Francis’ Satyr in the ex-situ program at the Fort Bragg Endangered Species Branch. However, other species of sedges are present in wetlands where St. Francis’ satyrs are found. We studied whether other species of sedges may serve as suitable host plants by examining their effects on survival and development time of St. Francis’ Satyr caterpillars. We found that caterpillar survival did not differ between sedge treatments, although caterpillars matured more quickly in the Carex lurida + Carex atlantica treatment than in the others. Our research demonstrates that other sedges appear to be suitable host plants for the satyr. This information suggests that habitat management for the satyr could be expanded into areas that are not dominated by Carex mitchelliana, creating new restoration opportunities within and outside of Fort Bragg that will help more effectively conserve this species and achieve recovery goals.}