Speyeria idalia (was: Importing farm-raised butterflies?)

[John Shuey]

-----Original Message-----
sebrez (who ever that is) wrote:

<This isn't exactly on target of the thread, but, are there any groups or
<organizations involved in restoring/saving the population of speyeria
<idalia (regal). If so, can regular people be involved by purchasing,
<raising and releasing specimens to the wild of their area?

"A clear conscience makes for a soft pillow"<

A fair number of state and private organizations are working on S idalia and
related issues.  The bottom line is that there are much better things you
can do than raise and release the butterflies.  Having no clue where you
live - here are some options.

In Iowa,  - DNR and TNC both need help managing prairies which support this
species.  The Loess Hills support numerous populations, but past fire
suppression has allows many of the prairie to become "shrubbed" over.
Volunteer your services to help cut juniper of these habitats.

Iowa also has the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, a prairie restoration
which doesn't support regals (yet) but really wants to have them.  Call and
see what you can do.

Missouri and Illinois has the same issues as Iowa - call DNR or TNC to see
if you can help manage habitat.

Indiana TNC is working on a major restoration that wraps around the only
known site for the regal in the state.  One of the project milestones will
be coaxing S idalia out to the restoration to breed (it already uses it for
nectar).  This will require planting hundreds of  thousands of violets over
the next few years.  We need help.

Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma have great prairies in the Flint Hills and
Sand Hills regions that support great populations of the butterfly - If
you're in one of these states, volunteer your services to improve habitat.

And Pennsylvania has a lone population on a military facility - contact TNC
to see if you can help (you may not be able to volunteer on the base).

John Shuey


John A. Shuey
Director of Conservation Science
Indiana Office of The Nature Conservancy
1505 N Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
317.951.8818


 
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