Monitoring Program Update:
Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
The Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) is one of the 146 species covered by RCA’s MSHCP. This Federally listed endangered species is narrowly distributed in a relatively few locations within the Plan Area in suitable habitat. Adult Quino have a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches (4 centimeters), The dorsal (top) sides of the wings have a red, black and cream colored checkered pattern; the ventral (bottom) sides are dominated by a checkered red and cream pattern and the abdomen of the Quino has red stripes across the top.
The Quino life cycle includes four distinct life stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult, with the larval stage divided into 5 to 7 instars (periods between molts, or shedding skin). There is usually one generation of adults per year, although larvae may remain in diapause (summer dormancy) for multiple years prior to maturation. Quino are exothermic (cold-blooded) and therefore require an external heat source to increase their metabolic rate to levels needed for normal growth and behavior. Within open, woody canopy communities, larvae seek microclimates with high solar exposure for basking in order to speed their growth rate.
Reference: [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003a. pgs.6,8,20,& 157 - Recovery Plan for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). Portland, Oregon.
The Biological Monitoring Program performs focused Quino Checkerspot Butterfly surveys within the MSHCP Conservation Area. These surveys are required by the Plan and occur on an annual basis.
The Biological Monitoring Program has documented the presence of the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly in over nine (9) distinct areas within the MSHCP Reserves over the past five years.
A well-established picture of Quino’s distribution within the Conservation Area has been created using repeat visits to survye locations with Biologists searching within defined areas for predetermined amounts of time. This time- and area-constrained study design has resulted in a high level of detection probability.
Biological Monitoring Program: Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Surveys 2005-2010 Presentation and Maps
2010 was a great year for Quino. Recently completed surveys for Quino Checkerspot Butterfly in 2010 indicated that the butterfly was found in multiple locations within the MSHCP Reserves.
