- Author
- Holtrop, K., D.W. Hays, A.E. Potter
- Publication Year
- 2013
- Species
- Taylor's checkerspot
- Topic
- Butterflies, Monitoring
In 2011, ONF and WDFW developed a monitoring plan for Taylor’s checkerspot sites on the ONF (Holtrop and Potter 2011). The plan identified seven life history and monitoring objectives, including monitoring adult abundance, identifying larval and adult food plant species, and determining timing and locations of within-site larval use. ONF and WDFW biologists have monitored ONF checkerspot populations annually since their discovery by conducting adult surveys during the flight period (Table 1). During these surveys, adults were observed taking floral nectar from several plant species (Table 2). Limited pre-diapause and post-diapause larval surveys were conducted in 2010 – 2012, which documented two larval food plant species (both pre- and post-diapause): harsh paintbrush and narrowleaf plantain. Post-diapause larvae have been observed feeding on blue-eyed Mary as well; but more observation is needed to document regular post-diapause larval food plants.
In 2010 – 2012, the WDFW collected habitat data across three ONF sites following methods used for other Clallam County site assessments (Hays 2011). We used this habitat information, as well as butterfly survey data to develop desired conditions, habitat objectives and management needs at ONF sites. Habitat and survey data were also used to begin habitat improvement treatments at Bear Mountain (Hays 2012), the site most vulnerable to immediate habitat loss.