Variegated Fritillary Butterfly

     Among the diversity of plants - wildflowers, grasses, forbs, and shrubs - on Konza Prairie are many that attract or host a variety of butterfly species.  Dr. Valerie Wright, Ron and Cathy Huber, along with other volunteers, recorded 78 species of butterflies on Konza Prairie during a three-year inventory from 1997 to 1999. They reported 11 new species for Riley County. Six of these were not previously known from the three county area (Riley, Pottawatomie & Geary).  Here are some of the results of that survey.

 

     Byssus Skipper had been recorded in 14 other Kansas counties, but none near Konza.  It is distinguished by large, yellowish males, which contrast strongly with the very dark females.  The larval host is  eastern gama grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) which occurs in clustered patches on Konza.  In spite of its large size for a skipper, the Byssus can easily be overlooked.  It often flies low, inside a clump of gama grass and can be difficult to see and catch.  They occasionally visit flowers late in the afternoon when many other species have quieted down for the day.

 

Byssus Skipper

     The  Byssus Skipper and the Regal Fritillary have a shrinking range in Kansas and are becoming threatened or endangered in other areas.  The probable causes for these declining numbers are loss of habitat, loss of host plant, and use of pesticides.  Little is known about the effects of management practices, such as prescribed  burning and grazing, on butterfly populations.  But these two species abound on Konza. 

Regal Fritillary

 

Reakirt's Blue larva

 

     Reakirt’s Blue adults have been reported in the surrounding three counties, but the larvae were found feeding on catclaw sensitive brier flowers (Shrankia nuttallii) here on Konza. This plant has not previously been reported as a host.  Larvae were reared to adults on these flowers alone. 

Which of these butterflies is a Kansas native?  
(Hint: The native has fewer eyespots.)

American Painted Lady

Click on the larva to find the answer

Painted Lady

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