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Two talks on Monarch butterfly research
Presented by: Cristina Dockx, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, and Bernie Mach, Urban Landscape Entomology Lab, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
Migration of Eastern North American monarch butterflies via the South-east and the Atlantic: evidence from stable isotopes, thin layer chromatography, DNA and phenotype (by Cristina Dockx):
Abstract: Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (L.), from eastern North America, are well known for their incredible autumn migration to Mexico. However, not all monarchs follow this route. This study presents evidence that there is a group of monarchs that participate in two distinct migratory routes, which we refer to as the southeastern and Atlantic routes. Monarchs were collected in Florida, Cuba, the Yucatán, Guatemala, and Venezuela. We employed two independent techniques, stable hydrogen isotope (δ2H) analysis and thin layer chromatography (TLC), to trace the monarchs’ natal origins. Additionally, we conducted DNA analysis and assessed five phenotypic traits. Our results provide support for the existence of both southeastern and Atlantic migratory routes.
Integrated pest and pollinator management strategies for wildlife-friendly ornamental plants (by Bernie Mach):
Abstract: Conflicts between pest management and conservation often occur when key insect pests reach damaging levels on common wildlife-friendly, ornamental plants in nurseries and landscapes. In this talk, Dr. Mach will discuss recent research from the University of Florida which illustrates the importance of managing insect pests on wildlife-friendly plants, and the associated risks of insecticide treatment. Dr. Mach will also showcase recent work evaluating several insecticides to safely manage pests on wildlife-friendly plants.
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