Stem Borer Moth Surveys in Somme Prairie Nature Preserve, Cook County, Illinois

Carter, K.C.; Wilker, James R.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121762 Copy

Description

Title

Stem Borer Moth Surveys in Somme Prairie Nature Preserve, Cook County, Illinois

Author(s)

• Carter, K.C.
• Wilker, James R.

Issue Date

2024-01-31

Keyword(s)

• Borer Moth
• Cook County, Illinois

Geographic Coverage

• Cook County, Illinois
• Somme Prairie Nature Preserve

Abstract

In September 2023, Illinois Natural History Survey biologists from the Population and Community Ecology Lab at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, conducted noctuid moth surveys focused on the Stem Borer Moths (Papiapema spp.) in Somme Prairie Nature Preserve. Two rounds of UV light trapping occurred at 6 locations within the preserve, totaling 36 trap-nights. Trapping efforts detected 23 Stem Borer Moths, representing seven species. Notably, the survey revealed the presence of several sensitive Stem Borer species, including the Ironweed Borer (P. cerussata), Culver's-Root Borer (P. sciata), and Silphius Borer (P. silphii). Three species were observed that were absent from Ron Panzers' 2007 – 2009 surveys: Ironweed Borer (P. cerussata, Illinois Species of Greatest Conservation Need - SGCN), Meadow-Rue Borer (P. unimoda, IDNR Watch List), and Stalk Borer (P. nebris). Conversely, the Blazing Star Borer (P. beeriana), listed as an Illinois SGCN, was not detected in 2023 but had been observed during Panzers' earlier surveys. The state-threatened Rattlesnake Master Borer (P. eryngii) remained undetected during both survey periods. Low-quality habitat patches, evaluated as "C+" on the east side of the preserve, exhibited the highest moth abundance and species richness. Twenty-two of the 23 Papaipema individuals captured during the 2023 surveys were in traps > 100m from the center point of the cluster of "A" and "B" quality habitat patches. The findings suggest the potential unsuitability of current landscape management strategies occurring in high-quality patches and Stem Borer Moth populations at Somme Prairie. Recommendations to enhance Stem Borer habitat include controlling invasive plants, supplementing forb communities through widespread seeding and planting, and exercising caution when implementing prescribed fires in land management plans. Such measures aim to contribute to the conservation and preservation of Stem Borer communities within Somme Prairie Forest Preserve

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

INHS Technical Report 2024 (02)

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Forest Preserves of Cook County

Copyright and License Information

This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

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