Translocation experiments with butterflies reveal limits to enhancement of poleward populations under climate change
Grants/Fellowships in support:
Program for Ecosystem Research, US Department of Energy (for biogeographic studies & genomic research) (2007, 2006, 2005)
Project Overview:
Performed a reciprocal translocation experiment of Propertius duskywing skipper (Erynnis propertius) and Anise swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) both in the field and a simulated translocation experiment in growth chambers to determine if populations differ in their response to warming and if that response is mediated by host plant.
Activities Conducted:
Program for Ecosystem Research, US Department of Energy (for biogeographic studies & genomic research) (2007, 2006, 2005)
Project Overview:
Performed a reciprocal translocation experiment of Propertius duskywing skipper (Erynnis propertius) and Anise swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) both in the field and a simulated translocation experiment in growth chambers to determine if populations differ in their response to warming and if that response is mediated by host plant.
Activities Conducted:
- Field capture of wild Erynnis propertius and Papilio zelicaon females
- Portable Greenhouse oviposition on field collected native host (Oak for Erynnis and Parsley for Papilio)
- Reciprocal translocation of eggs to field sites (field trials) or growth chambers (simulated trials).
- Tending of eggs/larvae on field/greenhouse propagated native host (Quercus garryana [Erynnis], Petroselinum crispum [Papilio] )
- Assessment of larvae, pupae, and adults for survivorship, mass and morphology (head capsule width).
- Additional genetic/genomic studies including microsatellite analyses for geneflow assessment and 454 sequencing and microarray design for transcriptome-level response assessment.