Thesis
Oviposition selection by a rare Grass skipper, Polites mardon, in montane habitats: advancing ecological understanding for developing conservation strategies
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102378
Abstract
The Grass skipper subfamily (Hesperiidae) includes many at risk species across the globe. Conservation efforts for these skippers are hindered by insufficient information about their basic biology. The rare Washington State endangered Mardon skipper (Polites mardon) is declining throughout its range. We surveyed Mardon oviposition across 9 study meadows in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest of Washington State. We conducted habitat surveys with respect to oviposition (n=269) and random (n=270) locations, recording data on over 50 variables. Mardon oviposited on 23 different graminoid species, yet are selective for specific graminoids within meadows. Most frequent ovipositions across meadows occurred on Festuca idahoensis and Poa pratensis (accounting for 112 of 269 total oviposition observations). Discriminant Function Analyses revealed that Mardon habitat was too variable to detect oviposition selection across study meadows, yet there was strong selection occurring within meadows (r2 ranging from 0.82-0.99). Variables important to within meadow selection were graminoid cover, height, and community; oviposition plant structure (leaf density, height, area); insolation factors (tree abundance and canopy shading); and litter layer factors (cover and depth). With few exceptions the primary discriminating variables were significantly different (p< 0.001). Conservation implications include maintaining native meadow ecosystems with sensitivity to local habitat preferences.
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Details
- Title
- Oviposition selection by a rare Grass skipper, Polites mardon, in montane habitats
- Creators
- Loni Jean Beyer
- Contributors
- Cheryl Barbara Schultz (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525090401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis