Butterfly Surveys: Trends and Observations

Glenn Marangelo and Beau Larkin present results of butterfly surveys that occurred between 2013 and 2018. Two species were added to our list this year.

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Butterfly Monitoring Program - MPG North Survey Trends and Observations: 2018

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After a two-year gap, the Butterfly Monitoring Program at MPG North resumed in 2018. Surveys were completed eight times between May 8 and September 27.

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The Pacific Fritillary (Boloria epithore, above) and the Great Basin Fritillary (Speyeria egleis, picture on page 1) were new additions to our species list.

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In 2018, 572 butterflies were observed with 38 species identified

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The Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is Montana’s state butterfly.

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Green Commas (Polygonia faunus) can be found on the wing in early spring and then again in late summer and early fall

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Common Wood-Nymphs (Cercyonis pegala) were one of the most abundant butterflies observed.

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European Skippers are the second most abundant species that we’ve observed since 2013, and they are not native to North America.

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When we accounted for the different lengths of transects, and the different numbers of surveys each year, we see that the abundance of European Skippers changed over time.

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This European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) was the first mantis species observed at MPG North

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Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculate, above) caterpillars prefer to feed on leaves of poplar and willow.

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Appendix: Complete Species List, 2013-2018 The species list includes 67 butterfly species from 5916 observations.

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References

Location(s):

Tags:

European Skipper

Project:

Wildlife 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.