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The frosted elfin (Callophrys irus [Godart]; Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), is an imperiled species endemic to fire-maintained habitats in eastern North America. Callophrys irus spends the majority of the year as pupae that may be vulnerable to fires that occur during this life stage. One way C. irus survives fire is to burrow and pupate under the soil, but this behavior is variable between individuals. We ran an ex-situ test on the impact of two abiotic factors on the pupation depth of C.irus (n=60): ambient temperature and soil moisture. We used two incubators at 18℃ and 30℃ in addition to two moisture conditions of 5% and 15%. The null model outperformed other models, suggesting the effects of tested soil moisture and temperature levels on depth were negligible. The number of caterpillars that burrowed was similar to previous work as nine caterpillars burrowed fully beneath the soil surface. Therefore, if in-situ burrowing rates reflect our findings high mortality rates can be expected from fire. Only two caterpillars out of 60 (~ 3%) burrowed at a level deep enough to survive the expected lethal temperatures of a typical prescribed fire in north Florida. Implications for insect conservation: Our results support previous recommendations on the importance of refugia and population/habitat-specific rotational burn schedules to ensure the long-term persistence of the species. These data, along with previously published evidence, suggest that caterpillars in-situ may be unlikely to pupate at depths deep enough to protect themselves against fire. Thus, land managers protecting small, isolated populations should consider artificial interventions when planning to burn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study implemented an active-learning curriculum unit involving butterfly conservation and gardening at three schools in south Florida. An experimental group of classes received plants to take home; students maintained their plants and observed insect activity for two months. The control group of classes did not receive take-home items. Students who maintained plants at home retained their knowledge of butterflies, ecosystems and environmental stewardship significantly more than those who did not. Surveys revealed all students demonstrated favorable interest in animals and plants; however, both groups reported lower interest in insects. After project completion, more students in the experimental group had new gardens at home than students in the control group (29 percent increase vs. 5 percent decrease). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The federally endangered Schaus' swallowtail butterfly (Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus) inhabits protected subtropical dry forests on several islands in the northern Florida Keys. The larval and pupal stages are particularly vulnerable to native and non-native predators; however, few published research and reports have identified and quantified predator impacts. Video documentation presents an opportunity to corroborate anecdotal observations (predation events) with empirical evidence. Even in remote areas where electricity is not available, a video surveillance system powered with renewable energy can be used where monitoring wildlife would otherwise be difficult. We documented wildlife activity after captive-bred Schaus' swallowtail caterpillars were released in the field (Key Largo, USA). Video footage revealed two cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) captured three Schaus' swallowtail caterpillars within the first 8 h of release. Two caterpillars survived and were active at night. Five butterflies were identified flying onscreen, including the imperiled Florida white (Appias drusilla). A solar powered video surveillance system step-by-step guide with a material list and cost is presented in this paper. The materials and methods can be modified to suit researchers' needs. The video surveillance system can identify culprit species and quantify encounter rates between prey and predators remotely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many populations of native pollinators, particularly specialists, are declining due to environmental stressors. The Blue Calamintha Bee, Osmia calaminthae, is a specialist bee native to only four sites, all in Highlands County, Florida, USA on the Lake Wales Ridge. The bee is a candidate for federal listing. The Blue Calamintha Bee specializes on the endemic woody mint, Ashe's Calamint, Calamintha ashei, but little else is known about its habitat requirements. In a pilot study, we attempted to characterize the habitat preferences of the bee through observation at three different properties where it had been observed in the past. We spent 18 hours conducting pollinator observations and line-transect surveys during the mint's peak bloom period, April-May 2016. The bee was observed at the two study sites with lower shrub cover, but not at a third site with higher shrub cover. Therefore, the bee may prefer open foraging areas. Additionally, honeybees were the most active flower visitor of Ashe's Calamint at all three sites, indicating the potential for interference with the Blue Calamintha Bee. Our results indicate that land managers should use periodic fire to control cover of larger shrubs and retain cover of Ashe's Calamint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term population trend data are not available for most butterfly species in many areas. Historically, this has meant that many governmental agencies make conservation decisions affecting this group of organisms with limited knowledge about their existing populations. To remedy this situation in Florida, a statewide database containing locations of at-risk butterfly species on conservation lands was developed primarily through the efforts of citizen scientists. This paper describes the data collection methodology that was used and presents several cases studies showing how this database has already made a difference in shaping the decision-making process to help in the conservation of at-risk butterfly species. A discussion of the methodologies used to generate the at-risk butterfly database, relative to more traditional butterfly monitoring surveys, is presented and recommendations are made on ways to optimize the contributions of volunteers to insect conservation and research programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]