Emily

[| icture 1 Source] [|Picture 2 Source] [|Picture 3 Source] Scientific Name://Erynnis persius// Family: Skippers Natural Habitat: Habitats such as the Karner Blue, pine/oak barrens where the larval host plant Lupine grows. Biotic and Abiotic Factors: They are biotic, and they live in barrens which are oak and pine which are also biotic. They also live in sunny areas which are abiotic. Niche: Diet- The adult food is flower nectar. Size of Animal- Its wingspan is 29-42 mm Housing Requirements- When its a caterpilar, a host plant is where it stays. But when it becomes a butterfly, it stays in open areas, like mountain grasslands and marshes. Reproduction- The female duskywing lays her eggs under host plant leaves. The caterpillars that hatch feed on these leaves and live in shelter of them. When the caterpillar is fully grown, it hibernates. Pupation occurs the following spring. Living Habits- They fly around in open areas, but are very tempermental and fly away if humans try to get close. Why is the animal endangered/threatened?: The pine barrens and oak savannahs have been destroyed and changed by agricultural development. The butterfly has also suffered from pesticide spraying. Current Population Size: The butterfly is highly endangered in many states, such as CT, MA, MN, NH, NY, OH. They're common in Northern and Western Canada but are extremely rare in southern Ontario. Conservation Efforts: In areas where the Karner Blue butterfly are located, there are protection and management of habitats, where the Persius Duskywing Skipper also live. How will the future ecosystem be affected if the species goes extinct?: Hostplants for the butterfly may go extinct. These hostplants consist but are not limited to wild lupine and wild indigo flowers. [|Information Source] [|Information Source 2] [|Information Source 3] [|Information Source 4]