Abstract
Speyeria (Nymphalidae) are a conspicuous component of the North American butterfly fauna. There are approximately 16 species and >100 associated subspecies (or geographical variants). Speyeria are univoltine, occupy a wide range of habitats, overwinter as first instar larvae, and feed only on native violets. Speyeria species have become a model group for studies of evolution, speciation, and conservation. Several species and subspecies are threatened or endangered. The reasons for this vary with the taxa involved, but always involve the degradation or loss of quality habitat for larvae and adults. The impacts of climate change must be considered among the causes for habitat degradation and in the establishment of conservation measures. In addition to increasing the available habitat, conservation efforts should consider maintaining habitat in a seral “disturbed” successional stage that selectively favors the growth of violets and preferred adult nectar sources. A major future challenge will be determining the most effective allocation of conservation resources to those species and subspecies that have the greatest potential to respond favorably to these efforts.
Highlights
Speyeria (Nymphalidae) are a conspicuous component of the North American butterfly fauna
Western Speyeria species are typically found in mountainous or hilly terrain, where some taxa are associated with wet meadow habitats, while others occur in seasonally dry locations
Examples of threatened species and subspecies of special concern will help to illustrate the range of habitats occupied and the diversity of conservation challenges presented by Speyeria
Summary
Speyeria spp. (Nymphalidae) are found throughout most of North America, except for the southeast. There are at least 16 Speyeria species in North America and >100 named subspecies [1,2]. All species have a single generation per year (univoltine) and exclusively utilize native violets (Viola spp.) as their larval host plants [3]. The diapause larvae are very small (1 to 2.5 mm) and they do not feed until the following spring. Feeding and completion of larval development is synchronized with Viola regrowth. The probability of individual larvae surviving through diapause to successfully complete development the following year is certainly very low and Speyeria life history strategies reflect selection for reproductive patterns and larval adaptations that maximize larval survival and overall reproductive success [4,5,6]
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