Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

MICHAELS , HELEN J [1], Hill, Alexandra [2], Barwinski, Alissa [2].

Nectar Resources of Oak Savanna Forbs for Butterfly Habitat Restoration.

Several rare butterflies, including the federally listed Karner Blue, and Ohio state listed Frosted Elfin and Persius Dusky Wing, are native to oak savannas of Ohio’s Oak Openings. Butterfly habitat restoration efforts have increased availability of one larval host plant, Sundial Lupine; however, minimal research has been done on nectar resources. In a pilot survey we sampled flowers of 30 savanna forbs previously reported or likely to be visited by Karner Blue butterflies across three field sites. We collected nectar from flowers from which pollinators had been excluded for 24–72 hours. Samples were analyzed for nectar volumes, sugar concentrations, and presence of amino acids. We found substantial interspecific variation in nectar volume, concentration, and composition. Our results suggest butterfly restoration plans consider increasing planting of selected species that are more likely to provide enriched nectar resources for adults.  

1 - BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSTITY, Department Of Biological Sciences, Life Science Building, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
2 - Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences, Life Science Building, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA

Keywords:
Conservation
nectar
oak savanna restoration
pollinator
butterfly.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Eyrie/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PCB002
Abstract ID:732
Candidate for Awards:None