Date of Award

9-4-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

William Baltosser

Abstract

The Ozark Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton ozarkae Masters) is an understudied nymphalid butterfly endemic to the Ozarks that specializes on False Foxglove (Aureolaria sp.) as the larval food plant. Few studies have focused on this animal and much of what is known has been derived from studies of the eastern subspecies (Euhpydryas phaeton phaeton Drury). Genetic evidence shows only slight variation between subspecies, but critical ecological differences are found between the two taxa. Here I present an in-depth life history with respect to general ecology and offer evidence towards species identity. Oviposition behavior (search and egg-site selection) is a key component of my study, given its biological importance to phytophagous specialists (e.g., all species of Euphydryas). I also examined the effect of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) on the larval host plant. Deer browsing was seasonal and shown to have deleterious effects on False Foxglove that impacted local butterfly populations. Collectively, my findings provide important information concerning the biology of the Ozark Baltimore Checkerspot and insight essential to its conservation and management.

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