NEWSLETTER of the Wisconsin Entomological Society Volume 19, Number 1 Les Ferge, Editor March 1992 NEXT MEETING APRIL IB IN MADISON Craig Bolles will host an open house beginning at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 18, at 3934 Manitou Way (located at the corner of Manitou Way and Mandan Crescent) in Madison. From the Beltline (Hwy. 12-18) exit at Midvale Blvd., go north a short way, then turn onto Nakoma Rd., and watch for a sharp right turn onto Manitou Way. A map appears on the back page. Craig has an extensive collection of Swallowtail butterflies, world-wide in scope, with all but 17 of the 560 known species represented. 1992 OFFICERS The results of the election of officers at the Annual Meeting in November are as follows: Susan Borkin, President, Phil Pellitteri, Vice President, Carol Ferge, Secretary, and Bob Borth, Treasurer. MITCHELL'S SATYR TO BE ADDED TO ENDANGERED LIST The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to add the butterfly, Mitchell 1 s Satyr ( Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii ) to the list of endangered species under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. An emergency listing had taken effect on 20 June 1991, providing immediate protection while the normal listing process and status surveys were conducted, with permanent listing sought before the 1992 flight season. This species was known from fen habitats in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and New Jersey, but range-wide surveys found populations remaining only in Indiana and Michigan. Although habitat destruction is largely responsible for the decline of the species, circumstantial evidence exists that caused the Fish and Wildlife Service to conclude that overcollecting has extirpated the species from several sites and threatens the populations remaining at others. Listing of the species, which offers some protection of remaining habitat, prohibits collecting any Mitchell's Satyr specimens. Only collecting activities expected to enhance the conservation and recovery of the species may be allowed under U.S.F.W.S. permits. Any specimens you may already own may also be effected, as interstate commerce or export is illegal, unless the specimens are "Pre-Act Wildlife" collected before 28 December 1973. Further information on this action is available from Craig Johnson, Division of Endangered Species, U.S.F.W.S., Federal Building, Fort Snelling, Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111, or phone (612) 725-3276. The Newsletter of the Wisconsin Entomological Society is published three times a year, at irregular intervals. It is provided to encourage and facilitate the exchange of information by the membership, and to keep the members informed of the activities of the organization. Members are strongly encouraged to contribute items for inclusion in the Newsletter. Please send all news items, notes, new or interesting insect records, season summaries, research requests etc. to the editor: Les Ferge, 7119 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562. KARNER BLUE PROPOSED FOR ADDITION TO ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing that the Karner Blue butterfly ( Lycaeides melissa samuel is ) be listed as a federally endangered species. Ranging in a narrow band from Minnesota to New York, the species has experienced a drastic constriction in range and a precipitous decline in numbers, particularly in the eastern portion of its range. Loss of the dry, sandy barrens habitat supporting wild lupine, the larval host, has caused the decline. Suppression of wildfires and the resultant conversion of barrens openings to forest, conversion to pine plantations, incompatible management practices including improperly applied mowing and burning, and development are all responsible. Wisconsin has more discrete populations remaining than any other state, but most are small and fragmented, offering little hope for long- term viability. However, a fair number of sizeable populations occur on public lands, where good opportunities exist for favorable habitat protection and management. This proposed action, if made final, will implement full protection for the Karner Blue, including prohibition of commercial activity and collecting. CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON PRAIRIE INVERTEBRATES Andy Larsen The recent "think tank" [3 Dec. 1991, Riveredge Nature Center, Newburg, Wl] that focused on prairie invertebrates and their introduction into restored, rehabilitated or created prairie areas was both stimulating and disturbing. Stimulating in that more than 40 of us gathered to discuss the state of knowledge about prairie invertebrates. Disturbing in that the consensus of our discussion was that information about prairie invertebrates: the molluscs, annelids, and arthropods, was woefully lacking if existent at all. It appears that we do not even have any inventory of what the invertebrates associated with prairies are, much less their life histories, plant associations, niches, and overall relationships to other prairie biota. Some important needs were identified during the "think tank," those being: 1. An inventory and cataloging of invertebrates found on prairie remnants. From our discussions it appeared this would have to be accomplished by non-state organizations and volunteers. Much emphasis was placed on the role that well organized and trained volunteers could play in this arena (let's call trained volunteers para-professionals). 2. Preparation of a reference library of literature on prairie invertebrates. I agreed to attempt to house such a library here at Riveredge and to undertake the preparation of a computerized cataloging of these materials. We could then respond to a request for information and for the cost of reproduction and mailing, make them available. NOTE: This will work only if you send in reprints for inclusion. 3. Preparation of a list of experts who could assist in the identification of specific invertebrate taxa. Again, Riveredge will do this (send more names). Also need individuals to present workshops on collecting and curatorial techniques as well as the taxonomy of the critters. 2 4. Identification and promotion of specific research needs: (a) Plant species specific invertebrate collecting, with clear records of the plant species and the part from which it was collected. (b) Preparation of annotated checklists of specific taxonomic groups for Wisconsin grassland/prairie habitat. 5. Popularization of invertebrates as nifty creatures worthy of attention and protection. All should send a letter to Mr. Carroll D. Besadny [DNR, Box 7921, Madison WI 53707-7921] to this effect. 6. Lastly, there seemed to be interest in assembling again to reflect on the invertebrates and to hear from those who have information based on research to share. Toward that end I am setting aside Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1992 as a date to convene here at Riveredge Nature Center. We will search for funding to support this effort. In the meantime, keep those cards, letters and faxes coming. Andy Larsen, Director Riveredge Nature Center 4458 W. Hawthorne Dr. P.0. Box 26 Newburg, WI 53060 LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTIONS NSF GRANT AWARDED TO MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM The Biological Research Resources (BRR) Program of the National Science Foundation has recently awarded a three-year grant in the amount of $234,000 to the Milwaukee Public Museum. The grant will be used to prepare and curate approximately 100,000 specimens of Lepidoptera chiefly from both the Neotropics and the Upper Midwest region of North America. A large portion of the material to be curated is from the James R. Niedhoefer Collection, donated to the museum in 1977, with considerable material, especially Arctiidae, Sphingidae, Lycaenidae, Riodinidae, Pieridae and Nymphalidae from coastal Brazil and other parts of South America. The grant will also be used to upgrade storage facilities for the entire collection. The goal of the project is to make the collection more accessible to researchers in systematics, taxonomy, biogeography, etc. The project is under the co-direction of Susan S. Borkin and Allen M. Young of the museum's Zoology Section. W.E.S. member Martin Blasczyk has been hired under this grant to assist with the project. UPCOMING MEETINGS The 43rd Annual Meeting of the Lepidopterists ' Society will be held 25-28 June 1992, on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. Plans call for at least two symposia, one on the ecological and evolutionary aspects of oviposition behavior, and one on the survey and conservation of regional Lepidoptera. There may also be a panel discussion on the pros and cons of laws regarding endangered and threatened species. Speakers for these symposia and other presented papers are still being sought. Inexpensive lodging is available in university dormitory rooms. For registration and other information, contact Fred Stehr/Mo Nielsen, Dept, of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1115. 3 UPCOMING MEETINGS (continued) The 38th Annual Meeting of the Michigan Entomological Society has been set for 25 June 1992, also at Michigan State University. It has been decided by that Society's Governing Board to hold the meeting to coincide with the Annual Meeting of the Lepidopterists ' Society, and yet not interfere with their formal program which starts on 26 June. It is hoped that the M.E.S. meeting will attract more members and others who are interested in staying longer to attend the Lepidopterists' Society meeting. Plan now to attend and present a paper. For further details, please contact Dr. Roland L. Fischer, Program Chair, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. 1991 PHOTO SALON The winning entry was "Acadian Hairstreak" by Karl Legler (right). The runners-up were "Fiery Skipper (lower left) and "Cloudless Sulphur" (lower right) also by Karl Legler. "Northern Blue" (next page, upper left) and "Frit illary" (upper right) are by Bob Borth. "Cross- line Skipper" was taken by Les Ferge. 4 ftiu.. Ij j 1991 WISCONSIN LEPIDOPTERA SEASON SUMMARY Coordinator: Les Ferge (LF) . Contributors: Bob Borth (BB), George Balogh (GB), Steven Bransky (SB), Tom Barina (TB), Jim Ebner (JE), Dave Fallow (DF), Robbye Johnson (RJ), Hugo Kons Jr. (HK), Karl & Dorothy Legler (KL), Jim Parkinson (JP), Mary Alexis Pfutzenreuter (MP), Tom Rocheleau (TR), Ann Swengel (AS), Clark Schultz (CS), Scott Swengel (SS), James R. Wiker (JW) . Warmer than usual spring weather accelerated the emergence of many species of Lepidoptera, most appearing 1-2 weeks earlier than normal. June and July were characterized by above-average heat, but August was cooler than normal. Freezing conditions statewide on 20 September put an early end to the butterfly season . The Basilarchia arthemi s/astyanax complex was abundant in Jackson and Monroe counties in late May-early June, about two weeks early. The number of Gypsy Moths trapped was somewhat less than last year, but infestations appear to be well established within several miles of the Lake Michigan or Green Bay shoreline, particularly in Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Ozaukee and Sheboygan Counties . This season was the most notable in recent years for the appearance of migrant species, equaling if not exceeding the influx of 1987. Hylephila phyleus , Atalopedes campestris , Phoebis sennae , Eurema lisa , Euptoita claudia and Junonia coenia were seen in numbers . ^ New county records are in CAPS, new Wisconsin records indicated by STATE. BUTTERFLIES : Erynnis martialis , 19-28 May, JACKSON Co, (TR, AS); 28 May-2 June, Burnett Co (JP, TR); 17 July, Burnett Co (AS). EL baptisiae , 30 June-14 July, DANE Co, associated with Coronilla varia (TR, LF). Pyrgus communis, 24 Aug-8 Sept, Crawford Co (JP, TR) . Hylephila phyleus , 31 July-14 Sept, Crawford Co (JP, LF); Dane Co (LF, KL, AS); Grant Co (LF, KL, JP, TR, AS); IOWA Co, sight (KL) , Milwaukee Co (BB) . Atalopedes campestris , 27 June-9 Sept, 5 BAYFIELD , JACKSON Cos (TR); Crawford Co (JP, LF); Grant Co (KL); OUTAGAMIE Co , sight (HK); Milwaukee Co (JE); SAUK Co (AS). Problema byssus , 29 June-3 July, Grant Co (LF, BB, TR) . Euphyes bimacula , 5 July, Jackson Co (TR) . Pontia protodice , 2 July-14 Sept, Dane Co (KL); Sauk Co (SS). Pier is napi oleracea , 15-17 Aug, Brown Co, late (HK); 24 Aug, Forest, Marinette Cos, two specimens with faint dark vein lines on ventral hindwing (TR); these records are a month later than usual for the summer brood, and possibly are a partial third brood. Zerene cesonia , 12 May, OUTAGAMIE Co (HK); 14 July-7 Sept, Crawford Co (TR); Dane Co (KL); Grant Co (KL, TR) . Phoebis sennae , 4 Aug-7 Sept, Grant Co (KL, LF, JP, TR). Eurema lisa , 17 June-7 Sept, Crawford, Grant Cos (JP, LF, TR, KL); Milwaukee Co (JE); Portage Co (JP). Nathalis iole , 24 Aug-14 Sept, Crawford Co (TR, JP). Gaeides xanthoides dione , 14-25 June, Dane Co (DF); 30 June, WASHBURN Co, photo (KL). Incisalia irus , 20 May, WOOD Co, ovipositing on Lupinus perennis bud, photo (AS). Strymon melinus , 23 June, Dane Co, sight (HK); 5 July, JACKSON Co (TR); 23 Aug, Crawford Co (JP); 20 Aug-7 Sept, Grant Co (JP, KL). Hemiargus isola , 3 July, GREEN Co; 17 July, Burnett Co; 30 July, IOWA, Sauk Cos, sight records of single individuals (AS); 5-31 August, Grant Co (KL). Lycaeides melissa samuelis , 23 May-3 June and 5 July-1 Aug, Burnett Co (TR, JP); Eau Claire Co (JP); Jackson Co (AS, KL, TR); Juneau Co (JE); Portage Co (HK) . Libytheana bachmanii , 31 July, IOWA, SAUK Cos and 5 Aug, Grant Co (KL); 1 Aug, JACKSON Co ( JE) . Euptoita claudia , 3 June-7 Oct, ASHLAND, Bayfield Cos (AS); FLORENCE Co (TR); Grant Co (AS, KL); Sauk Co (SS). Speyeria idalia, 3 July-27 Aug, Green Co (AS, BB) . Clossiana titania , 10 Aug, DOUGLAS Co, STATE (RJ). Polygonia satyrus , 26 July, Vilas Co (JP); 1 Aug, Florence Co (TR). Vanessa cardui , 7 Apr, Winnebago Co, early (CS). Junonia coenia , 27 June-7 Sept, Bayfield, Florence, Forest Cos (TR); Brown Co (MP, KL); Grant, Iowa Cos (KL); Crawford Co (JP); Kenosha Co (SB); Outagamie Co (HK) , Sheboygan Co (LF); Winnebago Co (CS) . Coenonympha tullia inornata , 24-30 June, WASHBURN Co, sight (KL); 28 June, FOREST Co (TR) . MOTHS : GEOMETRIDAE : Nemoria bistriaria , 14 July 1990 , GREEN Co, STATE, det. G. Balogh (TB). Lobocleta ossulama , 23 Aug, WINNEBAGO Co, STATE, det. G. Ealogh (HK). Thera contractata , 13 Sept, SHEBOYGAN Co, STATE, det. G. Balogh (BB). SATURNIIDAE: Hyalophora Columbia , 31 May, Forest Co (TR) . SPHINGIDAE: Dolba hyloeus , 5-7 July, Jackson Co, many at Bouncing Bet flowers for second consecutive season (LF, TR) . ' Ceratomia catalpae , 10 July, GREEN Co (BB, TB); 14 July, Grant Co (JP); 20 July, Richland Co (TR); 23 Aug, IOWA Co (JP). Sphinx luscitiosa , 28 May, BURNETT Co (TR). Hemaris gracilis , 28 May, Burnett Co (TR); 2 June, EAU CLAIRE Co (JP) and JACKSON Co, at Rubus flowers (LF). Eumorpha achemon , 3-10 July, Green Co (BB, TB); 16 July, COLUMBIA Co (TR). Xylophanes tersa , 7 July, WASHINGTON Co (BB); 7 Sept, Iowa Co (TR). NOTODONTIDAE: Schizura badia , 2 July, RICHLAND Co (TR); 3 July, GREEN Co (BB, TB) . Hyparpax aurora , 8 June, JACKSON Co (LF) . ARCTIIDAE: Apantesis ' car lot ta , 10 Aug, Green Co and 11-24 Aug, Sauk Co, on dry prairie (BB, TB) . Grammia celia , 15 June, DOOR Co, on dunes (LF). G. phyllira , 17 June-18 Aug, DOOR, SHEBOYGAN Cos, common on dunes (LF); 11-24 Aug, Sauk Co, common on sand prairie (BB, TB). G. oithona , 18 Aug, DOOR Co, on dunes (LF); 24 Aug, Sauk Co, sand prairie (BB) . NOCTUIDAE : Idia majoralis , 28 June, WINNEBAGO Co and 17 Aug, BROWN Co (HK); 13 Sept, SHEBOYGAN Co (BB) . I. denticulalis , 12 July, Sauk Co (BB, TB). Macrochilo bivittata , 28 June, WINNEBAGO Co (HK). M. louisiana , 17 Aug, SHEBOYGAN Co, interdunal wetland (LF) . Phytometra ernestinana , 8 June, JACKSON Co, jack pine/oak barrens, northward range extension (LF) . Ascalapha odorata , 31 July, OUTAGAMIE Co (HK) . Mocis texana , 3 July, Green Co (BB, TB) ; 29 Aug, OUTAGAMIE Co (HK) . Catocala innubens , 11 Aug, OUTAGAMIE Co (HK) . C. coelebs , 31 July, Door Co (TR) . C. vidua , 15 Sept, OUTAGAMIE Co (HK). C. maestosa , 29 Aug, OUTAGAMIE Co, STATE (HK) . C. meskei , 8 July-13 Sept, Outagamie Co (HK). C. praeclara , 2 Aug, RUSK Co (LF). Autographa mappa , 31 May, FOREST Co (TR). Thioptera nigrof imbria , 14 Sept, MANITOWOC Co (LF). 6 Baqisara qulnare , 10 July, Green Co, on dry prairie (BB, TB) . Merolonche dolli , 11 May, JACKSON Co, STATE, det. M. C. Nielsen (TR). Apamea inordinata , 25 May, SHEBOYGAN Co and 15 June, DOOR Co, common on dunes (LF). Lemmeria digitalis , 13-21 Sept, GREEN LAKE, Marathon Cos (JP). Spartiniphaqa inops , 13-14 Sept, SHEBOYGAN, MANITOWOC Cos (LF). S. panatela , 17 June, SHEBOYGAN Co, interdunal wetland (LF). Papaipema lysimachiae , 13 Sept, SHEBOYGAN Co (LF). P. inguaesita and nepheleptena , 14 Sept, MANITOWOC Co (LF). P. eupatorii and rigida , 20 Sept, GREEN LAKE Co (JP). Magusa orbifera , 14 Sept, MANITOWOC Co (LF). Xylena thoracica , Brachionycha borealis , 6 Apr, JACKSON Co, jack pine/oak barrens (LF). Eupsilia devia , 4 Apr-4 May, Outagamie Co (HK); 6 Apr, Marathon Co (JP). Xystopepla rufago , 16 Apr, OUTAGAMIE Co (HK). Anathix aggressa , 31 Aug, OUTAGAMIE Co (HK) , 13 Sept, SHEBOYGAN Co, interdunal wetland, STATE (LF). Oncocnemis riparia , 13 July, SHEBOYGAN Co, common on dunes (LF) . Trichoclea artesta , 13 July- 17 Aug, SHEBOYGAN Co, on dunes (LF). Sideridis maryx , 8 June, JACKSON Co, jack pine/oak barrens (LF) . Anhimella contrahens , 2 July, OUTAGAMIE Co, det. J. Wilterding (HK) . Copablepharon longipenne , 17 Aug, SHEBOYGAN Co, STATE, common on dunes (LF, BB) . Eucoptocnemis fimbriaris , 7 Sept, WAUKESHA Co, sand prairie (BB, TB) and Grant Co, sand barrens (LF); 13-14 Sept, SHEBOYGAN, MANITOWOC Cos, on dunes (LF, BB) . Euxoa manitobana , 13 July, SHEBOYGAN Co, STATE, on dunes, det. J. D. Lafontaine (LF) . Schinia indiana, 27 May, MENOMINEE Co (HK). S. lucens , 23-30 June, COLUMBIA Co (TR); 2 July, WAUKESHA Co (BB, TB) . S. nundina , 13 July, SHEBOYGAN Co, on dunes (LF); 14 Aug, COLUMBIA Co (TR). RESEARCH REQUEST : I am interested in learning about any Wisconsin localities where the Great Copper Butterfly Lycaena ( Gaeides ) xanthoides dione has been observed, for an ongoing study. I am also looking for roosting sites used by Monarch Butterflies Danaus plexippus during the autumn migration. Old records and natural history observations of either species would be greatly appreciated. Susan Borkin, Invertebrate Zoology Section, Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Phone (414) 278-2758. North American Insect Collection (NAIC) HyperCard Stack Available Acronym DtpttQBMiaf Eoenobcy i lov» 8*» Unman? I Ana, IA S001 1-3222 1 gut 1 Addras* Mat | Contacts tatct Q Ctnor. Dr. RoOen I. Ui'ts (Stphanapao) ^ UmA Carter 1 Coll. info C A. 750,000 -900,000 apartment, wnnomtaPlUHn. asp. KX MjctopUUdM, ▼tOumpJmacnttetanaof tom, Aba* LJ 50,000* fdr»« oolbcOomot Slptonapwaot 4» Wadd. WKh Hh » 5n»n, b® OTfclttlnd kM&prccnm. Cuner vflltai to KX ♦ find: Ptions 51S.294-1015 ) FAX [515-29+402? | ¥ e-moll BITKT: AIJttL#ISUHV* MTtfOCT : At ACLttHAiVSIASTATfXDU | ion typical entry The NAIC stack is a database in Apple's HyperCard format de- signed to run on Macintosh computers. This easy to use pro- gram will be useful to anyone needing to ac- cess data about insect collections in North America. Data on over 100 collections in Canada, the United States and Mexico is presented in an easy to access format, with information pertaining to ad- dresses, contact persons, groups of ex- pertise, standard collection acronyms, strengths of collections, phone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and a user- filled notes field. Searches for any item in the databasecan be made very quickly and the results printed out in a 3 x 5 card format for later use. The NAIC stack has been redesigned opening screen since its inception in late 1990. It also requires Claris' HyperCard 2.0 or later to run. Any older version of HyperCard (pre-2.0) will not open the stack. A copy of this database will be posted in the public Macintosh archives at the University of Michigan and will therefore be available for downloading to your computer via FTP transfer over bitnet. The address is: mac.archive.umich.edu. Any updated version will be available there as well. For those wanting the program on disk, we are charging only $7.50 to cover our costs of the project and disk duplica- tion, packaging and mailing. To order a copy of the program on disk, please make your payment to the University of Michigan, and send to: Insect Division, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079. Mark F. O'Brien , Collections Coordinator 1 WIS. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY Les Ferge, Editor 7119 Hubbard Avenue Middleton, WI 53562