IN SEARCH OF THE SECOND GENERATION OF SILVER-BORDERED FRITILLARIES

Leader, Dr. David James
Friday, August 8 (with possible change to Saturday, Aug. 9)
Sign up with David for additional details: david_james@wsu.edu

David will be taking us on another field trip focused on Species of Greatest Conservation Need. My earlier proposed field trip to Rocky Ford (near Ritzville) is still on, but I have brought it forward one day (Friday Aug 8) to take advantage of the forecast of slightly cooler temperatures. I am happy to change it back to Saturday 9th if people prefer that date.

The habitat is unique, being a small collection of wetter areas close to Upper Crab Creek, surrounded by arid areas and broad farmland. It is home to a number of unusual and localized plants and insects including our target species the Silver Bordered Fritillary (SBF) (Boloria myrina). There are roughly 5 general areas of wetlands in this habitat of which only 2 have been searched for the Fritillary. I would like help in searching the other three areas.

The second generation of SBFs is now emerging (I was there this past Saturday), so the timing is right to get a good idea of numbers and distribution of this SGCN species in this isolated habitat. It is not the nicest habitat in the world, but it is interesting!