Journal article
Investigating the Role of Herbicides in Controlling Invasive Grasses in Prairie Habitats: Effects on Non-target Butterflies
Natural Areas Journal, Vol.32(2), pp.177-189
2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/110219
Abstract
Invasive grasses severely impact prairies in the northwestern United States, leading to the decline of several butterfly species. Controlling these invasive species is a high priority for land managers. The use of herbicides is a promising management technique, yet effects on non-target butterflies are virtually unknown. We conducted a field investigation on the effects of a widely used grass-specific herbicide, sethoxydim, on butterfly habitat and demography using Puget blue (Icaricia (Plebejus) icarioides blackmorei Barnes and McDunnough) butterfly as a model species. Habitat use of adult silvery blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus Doubleday), ochre ringlet (Coenonympha tullia Müller), and wood nymph (Cercyonis pegala Fabricius) butterflies was also quantified. The results suggest that the herbicide had very little to no impact on larval performance, flower species, or Puget blue oviposition, while adult butterflies spent significantly less time in sprayed plots than in controls. Given the necessity o...
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Details
- Title
- Investigating the Role of Herbicides in Controlling Invasive Grasses in Prairie Habitats: Effects on Non-target Butterflies
- Creators
- Caitlin C. LaBarCheryl B. Schultz
- Publication Details
- Natural Areas Journal, Vol.32(2), pp.177-189
- Academic Unit
- Biological Sciences, School of
- Publisher
- Natural Areas Association
- Identifiers
- 99900547198801842
- Resource Type
- Journal article