Landscape configuration and composition affect butterfly distribution patterns because they influence the availability of host plants, nectar, mineral resources and microhabitat conditions. Given the recent decline in numerous butterfly species, using current knowledge of habitat requirements and landscape configurations is imperative to maximizing the potential of recovery for these species. Loss of historic habitat in North America is extensive due to land cover change, habitat fragmentation, and changes in agricultural practices. Here we synthesize work from numerous research projects conducted on butterfly communities in Midwestern landscapes to provide guidelines for best management at a landscape scale. We focus on: 1) habitat components that have positive or negative associations with butterfly abundance, 2) best management practices for grasslands relative to grazing and burning, 3) differences in butterfly use of block versus linear habitats and 4) responses to habitat edges and landscape context. In general, butterfly richness and abundance at the local scale is correlated with floral resources, litter cover and cover of grass. Increases in butterfly abundance can be associated with grassland burning and grazing, but the frequency of burning and landscape context influence responses. Grazing at high stocking rates can significantly reduce host plant and nectar resources, but if grazing is done in the context of “conservation grazing” it can replace the historical disturbance under which these grassland ecosystems evolved and provide habitat heterogeneity. With respect to linear habitats such as filter strips, width of the linear feature is positively correlated with butterfly abundance and species richness. At the landscape scale some species respond to management within a 2 km radius. With respect to edge responses, we found species-specific responses. Generalists cross edges associated with fields, crops, roads and treelines but some of the grassland obligate species have a lower probability of crossing edges to leave high quality prairie habitat. Finally, roadsides planted to native species can create butterfly habitat, and enhance species richness and abundance. However, paved roadsides are associated with a much higher rate of butterfly mortality than are gravel roadsides. Thus, careful management and fine-tuning of approaches can often enhance the potential use and value of the habitat for butterflies.

This webinar is sponsored by the USDA NRCS National Wildlife Team located at the Central National Technology Support Center. Contact William L. Hohman, Ph.D., Wildlife Biologist, for more information about our webinars.

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