Miami Blue & Mosquito control

[Paul Cherubini]

In 2004 Dr. Larry Hribar also published the following commentary:

http://www.floridamosquito.org/WING/2004/spring2004pdf.pdf
Hribar, L.J. 2004. Mosquito control or butterfly control? Wing Beats, 
15(1): 25.

Commentary: Mosquito Control or Butterfly Control

by Lawrence J. Hribar, Entomologist Florida Keys Mosquito Control 
District

Conflict between butterfly enthusiasts and mosquito control districts 
has existed for years. The drama regarding culpability of mosquito 
control in decline of the Schaus Swallowtail is well known to anyone 
familiar with mosquito control in Florida.  These attempts to link apparent 
declines in butterfly populations with mosquito control operations often
have the cooperation of the mass media.  For example, CBS News Sunday
Morning broadcast a program in 2003 in which the implication was made
that the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District's adulticide operations were
threatening a population of Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri, the Miami
blue butterfly.  This butterfly has been declared an endangered species
by the State of Florida, and butterfly enthusiasts are pressuring the Federal
Government to declare this butterfly endangered.  This will make the 
butterfly subject to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA).

Whereas we in the mosquito control may have one idea of what we mean
when we refer to a species, understand that according to the ESA, a "species"
is not necessarily a species.  Under the ESA, an endangered species may
be a subspecies, a deme, a colony of recent arrivals, or simply a demographic
variant.  The Miami blue butterfly is a subspecies, a member of the Cyclargus 
thomasi complex.  The species C. thomasi is in no danger of extinction; it
flourishes on several Caribbean islands.  Furthermore, two experts on the blue
butterflies wrote in 1995 that the species might not be representative of good
subspecies.  However, since the butterfly once occurred in Florida, apparently
disappeared, and was "rediscovered", it has been deemed worthy of 
protection.

The general public often focuses not on the benefits of pesticide use, but on
the environmental and health issues.  The public often fears the danger of
pesticide use, but research has shown that public perception of pesticide
risks vs. benefits may be based on perceived risks, not on actual risks.  The
mass media (and environmental activist groups) often ignore or dismiss
data that do not support an anti-pesticide agenda.  Research conducted by
industry (and that includes us, friends and colleagues) may be presented as
biased and unreliable.  This is an unfortunate situation, considering that the
vast majority of research conducted in the United States is done by industry
and not by universities or advocacy groups.

Expect butterfly enthusiasts to agitate for more species to receive the same
protection as the Miami blue butterfly.  Decisions regarding protection of 
species, legislation, and other government activities are based on what the
government calls the best available data.  Often these data come from the
same advocacy groups demanding government action.  These groups are 
not above suing the State or Federal governments to achieve their ends.

What can we in mosquito control do, or perhaps better asked, what should
we do in the face of accusations of culpability in extirpation of nontarget
species?  I believe there are two things every district should do immediately.
First, learn about the nontarget fauna of your district.  Don't get caught
having to "play catch" while facing an organized advocacy campaign. Are
there any species in your district that are candidates for protection? Can
anyone claim that your operations are affecting those species?  

Second, be proactive, not reactive in combating negative press about
mosquito control, pesticide use, and the role of your program in protecting
public health.  Far too many people believe the only benefit of mosquito
control is removal of nuisance insects.  The public heath componet of
mosquito control operations must be emphasized to the public.  

Third, educate people on modern mosquito control methods.  Concentrate
on your efforts to provide quality mosquito control services while 
safeguarding the environment.  If you do not carry this message to your
taxpayers, who will?

Don't be surprised.  I suggest you keep your eyes and ears open and try
to discover what may be happening in your districts.  You may find 
yourselves being blamed for the decline and demise of butterflies or other
nontarget organisms.

 
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