Beyond the host plant: Multi‐scale habitat models for a northern peripheral population of the butterfly, Apodemia mormo (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)

Abstract

The Mormon metalmark (Apodemia mormo) butterfly is widely distributed throughout western North America. It is listed as threatened, however, in Saskatchewan, Canada because of a small population size within a restricted habitat. To most effectively manage for this species, land managers and conservationists require a more thorough understanding of its ecology and habitat. I completed three studies that advance the understanding of this threatened butterfly. First, in a microhabitat study I showed that host plant abundance, soil chemistry, and microtopography are important in determining whether a butterfly habitat is occupied. Second, I developed and evaluated the prediction accuracy of species distribution models using two modeling techniques, the results of which increased the known A. mormo colonies in Saskatchewan from 37 to 88. Finally, I document the oviposition of A. mormo in Canada, showing that northern peripheral populations of this butterfly exhibit reproductive strategies divergent from those in its central range.