Butterfly Survey Trends and Observations: 2019

In four years of surveys since 2014, our butterfly monitoring program has identified 68 species. Three were new in 2019.

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The Butterfly Monitoring Program at MPG North completed its fourth field season in 2019

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Glenn completed nine surveys in 2019, starting May 13 and ending September 24.

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In 2019, Glenn observed 1,080 butterflies and identified 44 species, an increase of 6 species over last year

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Non-native European skippers are abundant in the Entrance Meadow, with observations of adults spiking in early to mid-June

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In vegetation surveys, the median cover of meadow timothy has hovered below five percent, with one big year in 2017

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The painted lady (Vanessa cardui) was the third most numerous species found in 2019, but none were observed last year

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Purplish copper (Lycaena helloides) adults make two appearances each year in western Montana

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Of the four different species of sulphur butterflies observed this year, the pink-edged sulphur (Colias interior) was by far the most numerous.

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The hairy flower scarab (Trichiotinus assimilis), shown here on non-native oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), was observed feeding from a variety of flowers from late June into early August

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a dimorphic flower longhorn beetle (Anastrangalia laetifica) carries a load of pollen on a plant from the carrot family.

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The species list includes 68 butterfly species from 6,996 observations.

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Species List

Location(s):

Entrance Meadow

Tags:

Project:

Butterfly Monitoring

About MPG North

Established in 2005, the property boundary at MPG North encloses 200 undeveloped acres in Western Montana’s Swan Valley. Researchers and field staff manage the property to improve habitat quality for wildlife, discover new ways to restore damaged landscapes and study forest ecology. We also create opportunities to share what we've learned with local conservation organizations, students of all ages, management agencies and volunteers. Through these education and outreach efforts, we seek to inspire others to work together and protect undeveloped landscapes.