Grass-skipper (Hesperiinae) trends in midwestern USA grasslands during 1988–2013

• DOI: 10.1007/s10841-015-9759-4
• Publication Date: 2015-02-05T08:50:22Z
• Authors: Ann B. Swengel; Scott R. Swengel
• Keywords: Pine barrens; Animal ecology; Herbaceous plant; Prescribed burn

We surveyed butterflies in prairies, pine-oak barrens, and degraded grasslands during 1988–2013 southern Wisconsin, USA. In prairie preserves (primarily managed with frequent fire), both specialist non-specialist "grassland" grass-skippers declined strongly. Specialists inhabiting the native herbaceous flora of barrens that had little management but relatively consistent vegetation over time large fluctuations more stable trends. Grassland showed similar trends fields time. Significant population did not relate clearly to how southerly species' ranges are. Specialist grassland grass-skipper persistence after preservation correlated negatively number years since patch size. also analyzed abundance 1977–2012 midwestern 4th July Butterfly Counts, an annual volunteer butterfly census. significantly as well forest wetland averaged a non-trend. hypothesize reasons why fire is adverse are because direct mortality thick tall grass regrowth, which may be unsuitable for larvae use. It appears urgent identify implement strategies consistently maintain required by ways themselves tolerate.