Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada

Vol. 35(2) Winter 2016

The Newsletter of the BSC is published twice a year by the Biological Survey of Canada, an incorporated not-for-profit In this issue group devoted to promoting biodiversity science in Canada. From the editor’s desk.....2 Information on Student Corner: Membership ...... 3 The effects of in situ extraction on boreal forest President’s Update ...... 4 butterflies in the Alberta oil BSC on facebook & twit- sands...... 6 ter...... 5 Federico Riva University of Alberta BSC Student Corner: ...... 5 Boreal forest butterflies..6 Southern Alberta Tardigrades on mosses Tardigrades...... 9 from southern Alberta grasslands: extraction, Carmacks Bioblitz 2016...14 occurrence, and density Book announcements: ...... 9 - A Handbook to the Julietta Sorensen and Ticks of Canada (Ixo- Cameron Goater, University of Lethbridge dida: Ixodidae, Argasi- dae)...... 16 -The Biological Survey of Canada: A Personal History...... 17 2016 BioBlitz: Carmacks Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification: Yukon...... 14 recent paper...... 18

Check out the BSC Website: Publications ....18 Book Announcements: Biota of Canada Project Handbook to the Ticks of Canada...... 16 Synopis ...... 19 The Biological Survey of Canada: A personal History...... 17 BSC FAQs...... 20 Project synopsis Notices ...... 21 Biota of Canada: Your chance to get involved...... 19 FYI and FAQs about the BSC: BSC President Dave Langor answers questions about the Biological Survey and the Biological Survey Foundation..20

Visit our Website | Previous issues http://biologicalsurvey.ca http://biologicalsurvey.ca/pages/read/newsletter-past-issues

From the Editor’s desk Donna Giberson This year marks 35 years of publishing the BSC Newsletter, and next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the Biological Survey of Canada; both important milestones for our organization. It is exciting to report on all the activities in which the Biological Survey of Canada is involved, particularly after the tough years immediately following the separa- tion of the Survey from the National Museum of Canada. Our new Board has brought a lot of energy to ongoing and new projects, and we can look forward to special issues of Zookeys and The Canadian Entomologist that will feature work of the Biological Survey, as well as the publication this year of the important “Ticks of Canada” monograph. As we celebrate or look forward to these publications, we also have the chance to glance backwards, with the publication of a History of the BSC, by Hugh Danks. What a wealth of reading about Canadian Biodiversity for 2017!

If you haven’t yet looked up our website or checked out the BSC on facebook, consider doing so, and send us your comments; of course, if there are any little bumps in navigating the site, we’d like to hear about them. The new site will continue to have links to biodiversity resources of the BSC, and our publications, and will be easier to keep up to date. Check it out, at http://biologicalsurvey.ca/ D.Giberson Tiger beetles on Blooming Point Beach, PEI.

The Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada is published twice a year (summer and winter) by the Biological Survey of Canada, an incorporated not-for-profit group devoted to promoting biodiversity science in Canada, particularly with respect to the Arthropoda. Send submissions to: Dr. Donna Giberson ([email protected]) Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Ave., Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3

Masthead image: Tricoloured Bumblebee, Bombus ternarius photographed on lupins in PEI in 2010, D.Giberson Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 3

Biological Survey of Canada: Documenting Canada’s Biodiversity

The Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) has been collecting, collating, analyzing and disseminating information about Canada’s biological diversity since 1977. The BSC is a non-profit, charitable organization consisting of biodiversity scientists across the country, and in other countries, who have an interest in Canadian biota. The BSC prides itself in identifying and filling biodiversity information needs using a bottom-up organizational structure, whereby front-line workers identify the needs and work to address them. The BSC has successfully demonstrated its capacity to advance national level biodiversity science and knowledge concerning terrestrial arthropods, which account for >60% of Canadian species, and is now reaching out to the broader biological community to bring together those who are experts with other taxa and who share a common vision and goal of making biodiversity information more accessible.

Are you a member of the BSC? You may be on the mailing list to receive BSC newsletters, but may not be a member! To become a member, send a request for membership to the BSC Secretary, Jade Sav- age (see below). Remember to request membership before the AGM so you are eligible to vote. If you don’t hear from us within a couple of weeks, please contact us again, to be sure your request has been received.

To Join the BSC: Send an email to Dr. J. Savage, Secretary, BSC. [email protected]

- In the subject line, write “BSC Membership” - in the body of the message, give your full name and contact information, and a valid email address. Remember to update the BSC if you change email addresses. Please also provide some information on your background and biodiversity interests.

Check out the BSC website! http://biologicalsurvey.ca/

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 4

Winter Update: Biological Survey of Canada/ Commission biologique du Canada activities David Langor Northern Forestry Centre, Natural Resources Canada, Edmonton, AB

As I sit writing this report, outside my office window the snow is coming down quickly, nearly horizontally, and the temperature is plummeting. This unpleasantness is, however, somewhat balanced with the pleasant thoughts of the pending holiday season that is just around the corner. Preparation of this update has turned out to be a surprisingly pleasant diversion from the ‘weather blues’ – surprising because I generally consider report-writing of any sort to be an odious task – pleasant (this time) because it caused me to realize how much the BSC continually accomplishes despite limited funds and lacking a Secretariat, which was a major support element over most of the history of the organization. The last six months have been busy! Our e-journal, the Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification, released olumeV 29 – Identification of Delia pest species (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in cultivated crucifers and other vegetable crops in Canada by Jade Savage et al. If you are devel- oping manuscripts that would be suitable for this peer-reviewed journal, please contact the editor, Steve Marshall ([email protected]). Thank-you Steve for your continued leadership and dedication. The newest BSC monograph, a terrific book on theTicks of Canada by Lindquist et al., was published in late September and is available for purchase through Volumes Di- rect. It is also available for free download from the BSC website. Congratulations to the authors for this very valuable addition to Canadian scientific literature. As well, the BSC has just published an important historical document, The Biological Survey of Cana- da: A Personal History by Hugh Danks, one of the founders of the BSC. It is chock-full of information and stories about the BSC and the many people who were involved in its inception and success. This document will be available for free download from our website early in the New Year, 2017. The BSC held a very successful Bio-Blitz near Carmacks, Yukon, June 24-26, 2016. The >60 participants were able to collect in Beringian territory and at other nearby localities. A special thanks to Syd Cannings and his team for organizing this opportunity to sample biodiversity in a fascinating and under-sampled place. The BSC is organizing a Bio-Blitz for 2017 in the Cypress Hills of southern Saskatchewan and Alberta, and in the nearby Great Sand Hills of SK. The Biota of Canada (BoC) Project made some good progress. The first olumev of the ‘Biodiversity Assessment’ series, which focuses on terrestrial arthropods is underway with authors now busy writing the ca. 40 papers that will comprise this Special Issue of ZooKeys. This work, edited by David Langor and Cory Sheffield, will essentially revisit the taxon-focused chapters in Danks (1979) Canada and Its Insect Fauna, and provide the first comprehensive update in almost 40 years. As well, planning for the Biota of Canada Checklist series is well under way and we expect the official launching of this long-term series in the Biodiversity Data Journal early in 2017. To help mark the 40th anniversary of the BSC, a special commemorative issue of The Canadian Entomologist, edited by Héctor Cárcamo and Donna Giberson, is underway and should be published by the time of the 2017 Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Societies of Canada and Manitoba. As well, we are planning a special symposium at JAM 2017 to help celebrate the 40th anniversary. Finally, a special thanks to Donna Giberson for putting together another great News- letter issue. I encourage each reader to consider submitting articles and news items for future issues.

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 5

BSC on Facebook and Twitter Kyle Knysh University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE

The BSC is now active on Facebook (www.facebook.com/biolsurvey1can) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/BiolSurCan). We are regularly sharing news about new biodiversity research in Canada and updates from the BSC. Like and Follow the Biological Survey of Canada! If you have content you would like to share with the BSC please email knyshk@gmail. com.

BSC Student Corner Erin Campbell, Student representative to the BSC Board

Two student research projects relating to biodiversity are high- lighted in this issue, covering a study on butterfly diversity near oil sands sites in Alberta and tardigrade diversity in the southern Alberta prairies. If you are a graduate or undergraduate student who would like to submit an article on an aspect of Canadian biodiversity, we would love to hear from you. please get in touch with me at [email protected].

Articles can be on preliminary data, experiences in the field, or any other aspect of your work or study. Examples of other student articles can be found in this issue, or on pp.27-35 in Vol 29(2) (http://biologicalsurvey.ca/newsletter/bscfall2010.pdf), pp.41-49 in Vol 30(2) (http://biologicalsurvey.ca/newsletter/bscwinter2011.pdf), and pp.7-19 in Vol 34(1) (http://biologicalsurvey.ca/newsletter/bscsummer2015.pdf).

Erin Campbell

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STUDENT CORNER: The effects of in situ extraction on boreal forest butterflies in the Alberta oil sands Federico Riva Applied Conservation Ecology Lab University of Alberta

Alberta’s oil sands underlie 142,000 km2 of boreal forests. This area, larger than New York State, is subject to widespread anthropogenic disturbance due to resource extraction. Public opinion focuses on the disturbance caused by open-pit mining because it causes complete loss of habitats, but >97% of the oil reserve is too deep for this tech- nique. Thus, “in situ extraction” is required. In situ extraction is peculiar in that it causes little habitat loss (<25%), but results in high forest habitat fragmentation. This is due to the extensive seismic assessments used in locating the underground reserves. Seismic lines are narrow corridors that are clear-cut into boreal forests, first to assess the 2-di- mensional distribution of oil using 2D seismic lines (6 - 10 m wide corridors, with line densities typically <5 km/km2), and then its depth and thickness, using 3D seismic lines (2 - 5.5 m wide corridors with line densities reaching 25 km/km2). The narrower 3D lines are often referred to as “low-impact”, but there is a general lack of data to support this claim. Despite the vast area affected by in situ oil sands developments, little information is available about its effects on wildlife, and particularly on invertebrates. Federico Riva Federico Federico Riva Federico Example of a 3D seismic line. These narrow Example of a 9-m wide 2D seismic line. These clear-cut corridors have a width of less than 5 m, are larger corridors (width between 6 and 10 m) and are used in oil sands seismic assessments and are used for preliminary assessments of the for precise estimate of depth and thickness of the reserve extent. reserve. This line was 3-m wide.

To contribute to filling this knowledge gap, I left Italy to start a Ph.D. at the University of Alberta. I am now investigating how butterflies respond to disturbances associated with in situ oil sands developments. Since I am captivated by butterflies and interested in applied research, I couldn’t find a better opportunity to cultivate my passion than by working on this project. Beyond being pleasing, butterflies are ideal candidates for investigation of the effects of anthropogenic disturbances. Several studies have shown their sensitivity to even small environmental changes, to which they respond rapidly. Often this response depends on changes in the plant community, on which butterflies rely for larval host plants and nectar sources. I am conducting my research under the supervision of Scott Nielsen and John Acorn (ACE Lab, http://ace-lab.org/3G/), and I also participate to the Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS) program (https://sites.ualberta.ca/~lrigs/). I just concluded my second field season and here I will briefly present some of my findings on the response of butterfly populations to habitat fragmentation in the Alberta oil sands. To investigate how the butterfly assemblage responds to in situ oil sands disturbances,

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 7 Federico Riva Federico Federico Riva Federico Cranberry blue butterfly hiding under Cranberry blue butterfly feeding on chickweed nectar a Labrador tea leaf

I sampled twenty-five transects in both 3D and 2D seismic lines, as well as on well pads and road verges, and compared these to undisturbed forest controls. These transects were set in boreal forests fragmented from in situ activities, in the Wood Buf- falo region, near the city of Fort McMurray. I collected approximately 1,700 butterflies belonging to 45 species, finding a surprisingly speciose assemblage. Biodiversity highlights included populations of the rare cranberry blue butterflyPlebejus optilete (Knoch, 1781), five Hudsonian old-world swallow- tails Papilio machaon hudsonianus Clark, 1932 and a population of Northern Pearly-eye Enodia anthedon Clark, 1936, a species that is apparently expanding to the west and north. Of these 45 species, only the European skipper Thymelycus lineola (L.) and the cabbage white Pieris rapae (L.) were non-native, but Riva Federico these species were also uncommon in the forests. Northern pearly-eye butterfly The arctic fritillary Boloria chariclea (Schneider, 1794) was particularly common, accounting for approximately 25% of my samples. I found that diversity and abundance of butterflies increased in fragmented forests, even in localized disturbances such as 2D seismic lines (i.e., 9-m wide corridors) where we observed two times the number of species, and three times the number of individuals than in undisturbed mature forests. This suggests that early seral conditions following in situ forest disturbances positively affect the butterfly assem-

blages. Interestingly, the 3D seismic lines Riva Federico appeared more similar to control forests Arctic fritillary feeding on aster nectar in regards to the butterfly assemblage, implying that narrower lines can really mitigate the impact of in situ oil sands extraction, at least for this group of organisms. During my second field season I focused on two species: the cranberry blue, and the

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 8

arctic fritillary. Because the cranberry blue is rare in Alberta, I assessed forest suitability based on natural environmental and anthropogenic disturbance factors. I found a prefer- ence toward wet habitats, as previously reported, and avoidance of well pads but not seismic lines. I released arctic fritillaries in undisturbed forests and along seismic lines to assess whether anthropogenic structures (i.e., forest edges) alter their movement. I found a strong effect on their flight direction based on the disturbance pattern, with butterflies more likely to fly along forest corridor directions. I am now planning the last field season of my project, looking forward to another summer in these pleasant forests. So far, working in the boreal biome has been a terrific experience. Federico Riva Federico Riva Federico Mariposa copper on starflower Atlantis fritillary feeding on clover nectar

Understanding how butterflies respond toin situ oil sands developments is providing an important perspective on the effects that these disturbances have on those organisms that depend on localized environmental conditions in the boreal forest, as most insects do. Butterflies also fulfill fundamental ecological roles (e.g., pollination) and the information I am generating will be crucial in determining strategies to maintain and preserve Alberta’s biodiversity heritage.

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STUDENT CORNER: Tardigrades on mosses from southern Alberta grasslands: extraction, occurrence, and density Julietta Sorensen and Cameron Goater1 University of Lethbridge, Environmental Science Julietta Sorensen Julietta Sorensen Figure 1. Tardigrade collected from Cypress Figure 2. Anterior view of tardigrade collected Hills site (Phase-change image, 40 x mag- from Cypress Hills site nifications)

Tardigrades are microscopic animals in the phylum Tardigrada that are rarely seen by the casual naturalist, but are widespread in a variety of moist or wet habitats (reviewed in Grothman 2013). Their name comes from the Latin words “tardi” and “gradus”, essentially translating to slow-walker, referring to the ambling gait of these eight-legged animals (Grothman 2013). This and their characteristic body form (Figures 1 & 2) are what lead to tardigrades being known colloquially as “water bears” or “moss pigs”. Perhaps their most famous quality is the ability to undergo cryptobiosis, a state of quiescence following extreme conditions such as drought or freezing (Altiero et al. 2009). Despite this fame, much of the tardigrades’ general biology, including biogeography, range and distribution, density, and ecological role, remain largely unknown (Argue 1971; Beasley 1978), especially in Canada (Boeckner and Proctor 2005). While globally distributed, tardigrades are not commonly studied in xeric habitats such as the Alberta grasslands, despite there being moist, mossy microhabitats below the layers of grass, and the reports on the propensity for dry habitats to yield high tardigrade densities (Jönsson 2003). Mosses, and the water accumulated in them, provide habitat for all kinds of small aquatic organisms, and since tardigrades can withstand physical extremes and desiccation (Ptatscheck and Traunspurger 2014), prairie-dwelling species could occur in southern Alberta. With increasing interest in biodiversity conservation in prairie habitats (Widenmaier and Strong 2010), tardigrades represent an interesting component of biodiversity that has yet to be explored. The absence of research on prairie tardigrades may be due to researchers not expecting to find them in arid habitats and so not devoting the same search effort, or it may relate to the lack of a standard, consistent, experimen- tally determined methodology for extracting tardigrades from substrate. Thus, for my undergraduate research project at the University of Lethbridge, I carried out a study to assess the efficacy of a systematic method for tardigrade extraction from moss, and to record the existence and density of tardigrades in mosses collected from three Albertan grasslands. Standard collection methods for tardigrades involve collecting, soaking, and agitat- ing the substrate (usually moss) to dislodge the specimens, however the soaking times reported in literature range from as little as 45 minutes to as much as 48 hrs (Boeck- ner and Proctor 2005; Altiero et al. 2009; Grothman 2011). In addition, there appears to be no information on whether the moss should be kept completely submerged (as

1 This article has been modified from an undergraduate project conducted under the supervision of Dr. Cameron Goater, at the University of Lethbridge, AB.

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occurs along streams or in flooding events), or whether the water should be allowed to draw down through evaporation (as with a single rain event). Therefore, I set out to test different soaking times and methods for extracting tardigrades from a local collection of moss, before collecting moss from multiple prairie sites to assess occurrence and density (Sorensen and Goater, 2015). To determine the best extraction method, I collected and pooled moss samples from the north-facing roof of a shed located in the Oldman River Valley in Lethbridge AB. Once dried it was particularly important the samples be cleaned, as the study was based on comparing tardigrade recovery from a known biomass of moss, and many of our samples included acrocarpous mosses which can be difficult to separate from substrate. Clean samples were then placed into different water availability treatments (No Water Added (NWA), Water Added and allowed to Evaporate (WAE), and Water Added with Evaporation Prevented (WAEP)) for different time periods (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hrs). For each treatment, moss samples were soaked, agitated, and drained, and tardigrades were filtered from the moss-water, then fixed for examina- tion with a microscope. Differences among times and water treatments were assessed using ANOVA. (Spe- cifics of the experimental proce- dures can be found in Sorensen and Goater (2015), available on request from the author.) While tardigrades were extracted from every treatment (Figure 3), the numbers extracted rose significantly between soaking times of 6 and 12 hrs, with 12 hrs or more yielding an average of 45% more tardigrades than treatments of 6 hrs or less. It also proved key that moss be kept moist Figure 3. Relationship between soaking time of pooled throughout the experimental period, Goater Property moss samples, and density per gram of as roughly half of the tardigrades collected tardigrades (ANOVA, f=3.33; d.f.= 4; p<0.05). were recovered from the No Water Added treatments (NWA) as compared to treatments with water, regardless of whether evaporation was prevented (Figures 4 & 5). Evaporative conditions appeared to have no impact on tardigrade extraction, as no significant difference was observed between the WAE and WAEP treatments.

Figure 4. Influence of Water Treatments using Figure 5. Comparison between treatments of pooled results across all time treatments, where soaking moss samples on tardigrade density WAE (n=12) is Water Added, allowed to Evapo- where WAE is Water Added and allowed to rate, WAEP (n=12) is Water Added, Evaporation Evaporate, and WAEP is Water Added and Prevented, and NWA (n=3) is No Water Added Evaporation Prevented (ANOVA, f=0.288; (ANOVA, f=10.38, d.f= 2, p<0.05). d.f.=1, p>0.5).

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It was interesting to note where the “jumps” in number of tardigrades extracted occurred, in this case between the 0 and 6 hr intervals, and the 6 and 12 hr intervals. The absence of such jumps between the other time intervals is intriguing as it could signify the detection of distinct waking periods in desiccated tardigrades. Further research will be required to determine whether the differences in tardigrade extraction truly occur as discrete events, or along a gradation. Analyses of such patterns may be used to determine links between re-hydration time and species, individual size, cryptobiotic state, or other characteristics. These results suggest the most efficient soaking time to be approximately 12 hrs, after which no significant increase in tardigrade density was observed (Figure 3). While tardigrades may be collected at 0 hr and 6 hr time intervals, researchers employing this method may introduce bias by unintentionally selecting against those species or individuals which, for whatever reason, do not emerge from their cryptobiotic state as quickly as others. Alternatively, allowing the moss to remain stagnant and submerged for longer than 12 hrs without a fixative may result in decay, predation, and reproductive events, all of which introduce a bias to density estimates. It is unclear why the 24 hr interval tardigrade counts were markedly lower than both the 12 hr and 48 hr treatments, and future studies are required with a greater number of replicates to interpret this result. For the second half of my study (the comparison of different sites in southern Alberta), I based the soaking conditions on the results of my early trials and soaked moss for 12 hrs under WAE conditions. With the extraction method established, I could evaluate the presence and density of tardigrades from moss collected in three different sites in southern Alberta. All moss collected from a single site was pooled and mixed to prevent bias, and each sample constituted a constant mass taken from the pool. The first site (referred to in my study as Goater Property) was in the Dry Mixedgrass Prairie sub-region, which is dominated by blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and needle-and-thread (Hes- perostipa comata) grasses, with brown chernozemic soil (Downing and Pettapiece 2006). My second site was Tyrell Lake, also in the Dry Mixedgrass Prairie sub- region, which was a saline site in an area characterized by blue grama and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) The final collection site was in the Alberta section of the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, outside of the town of Elkwater. This sub-region is characterized by dark brown chernozemic soil and vegetation dominated by rough fescue (Festuca campestris) (Downing and Pettapiece 2006). Tardigrade density (per gram of moss) varied among the Cypress Hills, Tyrell Lake, and Goater Prop- erty sites (Figure 6). While densities did not differ between mosses Figure 6. Total average tardigrade density per gram of collected from the Tyrell Lake and moss for each of three individual sites; Goater Property, Cypress Hills sites, the average Tyrell Lake, and Cypress Hills (ANOVA f=9.99; d.f.=2; tardigrade density in mosses col- p<0.001). lected from the Goater property was approximately 30% that of either Tyrell Lake or Cypress Hills. Tardigrade colonies can be seeded in the prairie via wind dispersal of eggs and tuns (Nelson and Marley 2000), and suitable habitat (wet mosses along rivers and wetlands) occurs in southern Alberta, so I expected that tardigrade populations should exist in Alberta’s prairies. Their reputation for colonizing moss coupled with adaptations to prevent desiccation make it logical to assume that any environment suitable to the growth of moss could also harbour tardigrades. It therefore remains unclear as to what factors caused the observed variation in average tardigrade density between the three prairie locations.

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Tardigrades were observed using Light Micros- copy and Phase Contrast imaging, and whenever possible were classified using a variety of taxonomic references (Grothman 2013; Clifford 1991; and Pennak 1953, Nelson and Marley 2000). Im- portant characters used for identification included cuticle characteristics, colouration, stylet shape, and hind-claw morphology (as shown in Figures 1, 2 & 7) Members of both Heterotardigrada and Eutar- digrada were present in the prairie moss samples examined, though eutardigrades were far more

common, including the genus Hypsibius (Figures Julietta Sorensen 8 & 9) which was found in mosses from both the Figure 7 Phase-change image of hind Cypress Hills and Tyrell lake sites. The predomi- claws of specimen from Tyrell Lake site nant members of Eutardigrada were identified as Macrobiotus and Hypsibius, while only one heterotardigrade was confidently identified as Echiniscus. Classification of individuals as heterotardigrades was based on the presence of angular adjoining plates along the individual’s body (Figure 10) which differs consider- ably from the soft-body form of eutardigrades. Julietta Sorensen Julietta Sorensen Figure 8 Phase-change image of Figure 9. Phase-change image of claws of Hypsibius specimen Hypsibius specimen from Cypress from Tyrell Lake site (40x magnification) Hills site (40 x magnification)

Figure 10. Heterotardigrade specimen from Cypress Hills (Phase-change ventral view, (40x magnification) Julietta Sorensen

In summary, tardigrades were present in all moss samples from all southern Alberta habitats sampled, in numbers averaging up to approximately 20 individuals per gram of moss, though abundance patterns varied among prairie sites. Initially, the rich abundance of tardigrades found in Cypress Hills was viewed as potential indication that the moss microhabitats in fescue grasslands there were somewhat unique in their ability to support tardigrade populations. This was supported by reports of other rare and unique invertebrate communities found in the Cypress Hills, and by the knowledge that fescue grasslands are a highly specialized and unique ecosystem (Goater and Colwell 2007;

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Henderson et al. 2002). It was then surprising when densities from moss samples around Tyrell Lake were similar, despite observed high salt accumulation on the soil surface, sparser vegetation, and a difference in moss type (the majority of moss collected at Tyrell Lake was identified as club moss (Lycophyta) as opposed to true moss (Bryophyta). Club moss occurrence was unique to Tyrell Lake). More analysis of species patterns and their environmental relationships will be needed to interpret the density patterns in these three sites. The results of these experiments represent a first for Alberta, and perhaps for arid prairie sites in general. Tardigrades are known for their ability to survive extreme conditions and especially desiccation while in a resting state, and repeated observation of cuticle-deposited eggs in mosses of these prairie ecosystems implies that tardigrade populations in such areas are not merely “lost” or remnant individuals blown in from other habitats, nor resting colonies, but successful and reproductively active residents of the prairie. It is the hope of this author that specimens photographed in the study may be verified and identified to genus by an expert in the field. Pending partnership and assistance from other interested scientists, this author plans to investigate tardigrades in regions of the Middle Eastern country, Oman.

References

Altiero T, Bertolani R, and Rebecchi L. 2010. Hatching phenology and resting eggs in tardigrades. Journal of Zoology 280:290-296. Argue, CW. 1971. Some terrestrial tardigrades from New Brunswick, Canada. Canadian Journal of Zoology 49: 401-415. Beasley CW. 1978. The tardigrades of Oklahoma. American Midland Naturalist 99: 128-141. Boeckner MJ and Proctor HC. 2005. Water-bears from the Rocky Mountains: A First Look at Alberta’s Tardigrade Fauna. The Canadian Field-Naturalist 119:586-588. Clifford HF. 1991. Aquatic Invertebrates of Alberta: An Illustrated Guide. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton. 550 pp. Downing DJ, and Pettapiece WW. 2006. Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta. Natural Regions Committee. Government of Alberta. Pub. No. T/852 Available from: http://www.albertaparks.ca/ media/2942026/nrsrcomplete_may_06.pdf Goater CP and Colwell DD. 2007. Epidemiological characteristics of an invading parasite: Dicrocoelium dendriticum in sympatric wapiti and beef cattle in southern Alberta, Canada. Journal of Parasitology, 93: 491-494. Grothman GT. 2011. Tardigrades of Fish Creek Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada: A Preliminary Survey. The Canadian Field-Naturalist 125: 22-26. Grothman GT. 2013. Tardigrades: A Brief Overview. Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 32(2): 12-22. Henderson N, Hogg E, Barrow E, and Dolter B. (2002). Climate change impacts on the island forests of the Great Plains and the implications for nature conservation policy: The outlook for Sweet Grass Hills (Montana), Cypress Hills (Alberta-Saskatchewan), Moose Mountain (Saskatchewan), Spruce Woods (Manitoba) and Turtle Mountain (Manitoba-North Dakota). Prairie Adaptation and Research Collaborative (PARC). Available from www.parc.ca/pdf/research_publications/forestry1.pdf Jönsson, KI. 2003. Population density and species composition of moss‐living tardigrades in a boreo‐ nemoral forest. Ecography 26: 356-364. Nelson DR and Marley NJ. 2000. The biology and ecology of lotic Tardigrada. Freshwater Biology 44: 93-108. Pennak RW. 1953. Fresh-water Invertebrates of the United States. Ronald Press, New York. 769 pp. Ptatscheck C and Traunspurger W. 2014. The meiofauna of artificial water-filled tree holes: Coloniza- tion and bottom-up effects. Aquatic Ecology 48: 285-295. Sorensen J and Goater CP. 2015. Establishing a systematic method for tardigrade extraction from moss substrate, and analyses of tardigrade occurrence and density on mosses from grasslands in southern Alberta. Independent Undergraduate Research Project, University of Lethbridge, AB. Widenmaier KJ and Strong WL. 2010. Tree and forest encroachment into fescue grasslands on the Cypress Hills plateau, southeast Alberta, Canada. Forest Ecology and Management 259: 1870-1879.

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Carmacks BioBlitz 2016 Lucy G Johanson1, Syd Cannings2, Bruce Bennett1 1Dept. of Environment, Government of Yukon, Whitehorse, Yukon 2Canadian Wildlife Service, Whitehorse, Yukon Stacey Lee Kerr, ROM Biodiversity, Royal Ontario Museum Royal ROM Biodiversity, Stacey Lee Kerr,

Some of the bioblitz participants fly the flag of the Biological Survey at Carmacks, Yukon.

The Biological Survey’s 12th BioBlitz was held in Carmacks on June 23-26, 2016, the first time a bioblitz of any kind has occurred in that territory. Although the Biological Survey of Canada hatched the idea and sponsored the event, much of the on-the ground effort was coordinated through Environment Yukon (including the Yukon Conservation Data Centre (CDC)) and the Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment and Climate Change Canada).

Why Carmacks? Much of the Yukon is still relatively biologically unknown, and the Car- macks area is usually given short shrift by local and visiting biologists. However, it lies at the edge of Beringia—a vast area never glaciated during the Pleistocene and connected to Asia by a land bridge—and as a result hosts a unique biota that evolved there in isola- tion.

What happened? Over 60 people participated in the BioBlitz; these included professional scientists, naturalists, volunteers and government staff. Most were locals from Whitehorse and the Yukon, but at least 11 came from as far afield as southern British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Teams of differing expertise went out to designated areas to collect and identify as many species as possible, for either half- or full-day trips. Experts in each group an- swered questions and helped to identify specimens collected. Before and after dinner, collections were pinned and pressed, and during dinner there were slideshow talks on the area and specific groups of species, such as black flies and plants.

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 15 Stacey Lee Kerr, ROM Stacey Lee Kerr, Stacey Lee Kerr, ROM Stacey Lee Kerr, Stacey Lee Kerr, ROM Stacey Lee Kerr, Stacey Lee Kerr, ROM Stacey Lee Kerr, Syd Cannings Syd Stacey Lee Kerr, ROM Stacey Lee Kerr, Some of the bioblitz activities at Carmacks, Yukon.

What did we find? Data are still coming in, but over 555 different species of flora and fauna have been identified so far. At least ten of these species are of particular scientific interest for the Carmacks area and the Yukon: they included two plants currently under- going huge range expansions into the north (American Vetch (Vicia americana) and Shin- ing willow (Salix lucida)) and the aphid wasp Diodontus spiniferus, a species previously unknown in the Yukon. Large numbers of chinook salmon fry (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were an indication of strong recruitment this year in an otherwise declining population. Two populations of Yukon Podistera (Podistera yukonensis), a Beringian endemic recently assessed as Special Concern in Canada, were relocated in the mountain ridges west of Carmacks. Thanks to everyone who came out and made the blitz a blazing success! Stacey Lee Kerr, ROM Stacey Lee Kerr,

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 16

Announcing two new publications of The Biological Survey of Canada

1. A Handbook to the Ticks of Canada (Ixo- dida: Ixodidae, Argasidae)

By Evert E. Lindquist Terry D. Galloway Harvey Artsob L. Robbin Lindsay Michael Drebot Heidi Wood Richard G. Robbins

With illustrations by King Wan Wu and Barry Flahey and Maps by Tom Naughten

317 pp, including 84 Figures, 4 plates, and 37 maps.

The new Handbook to the Ticks of Canada is an identification and information guide to all known active instars of the nine gen- era and forty species of ticks in Canada. Summaries are provided for the distribution, natural history and involvement of ticks in paralysis, and as reservoirs and vectors for a variety of patho- gens, including Lyme borrelio- sis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, relapsing fever, tularaemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, Colorado tick fever, Powassan encephalitis, and others which affect humans, wildlife and do- mesticated animals. The guide is also fully applicable to the tick fauna of Alaska and the northern tier of contiguous American states bordering Canada. (See the Newsletter of the Biological Survey, 35(1) for a longer description of the book)

How to get your copy

Hard copy (soft-cover) ooks may be ordered (for CAD$29.95) through Volumes Direct http://www.volumesdirect.com/detail.aspx?ID=5483

The book is also available for free download on the BSC website: http://biologicalsurvey.ca/public/Bsc/Controller/Page/AGR-001-Ticks-Monogram.pdf

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 17

2. The Biological Survey of Canada: A personal history

By Hugh V. Danks THE BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CANADA: In this book about the history of the Biological Survey of Canada, A Personal History Hugh Danks combines his ability for impeccably correct report- ing about Survey activities with a range of anecdotes and the inside story of the Survey’s development. His account shows how the Biologi- cal Survey came into being, how it operated, and why it was successful. The many products of the Survey are listed for reference in detailed appendices. This readable and organized analysis not only documents the Survey as a significant chapter in the history of entomology in Canada, but also provides wider lessons about the remarkable co- operation of the Canadian scientific community and the value of collaborative efforts.

Biological Survey of Canada H.V. Danks Commission biologique du Canada

How to get your copy

The book will be available for free download on the BSC website early in 2016 http://biologicalsurvey.ca/monographs

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 18

Recent paper in the Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification:

Savage, J., Fortier, A-M., Fournier, F., Bellavance, V. 2016. Identification ofDelia pest species (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in cultivated crucifers and other vegetable crops in Canada. Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 29: June 29, 2016. doi:10.3752/cjai.2016.29

Reminder of BSC Publications The BSC has produced a number of monographs and briefs on various topics relating to Biodiversity. Briefs and some monographs are available as downloadable pdf documents from our website: http://biologicalsurvey.ca/home

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 19

Synopsis of the Biological Survey of Canada initiative THE BIOTA OF CANADA: A CENSUS OF CANADIAN SPECIES The diversity and importance of The Biota of Canada project: Canadian species. An ambitious proposal In 1995, it was reported that about 71 The Biological Survey of Canada (http:// 000 species, spanning all 6 Kingdoms of www.biology.ualberta.ca/bsc/bschome. life, were known from Canada and that an htm) is building a consortium of partners to additional 68 000 species are likely to oc- launch a new project to develop a com- cur (Mosquin et al. 1995). Human health prehensive and easy-to-access census of and prosperity are intimately dependent on species diversity in Canada. This project (or impacted by) biota and the economic, aims to collate, summarize, analyze and ecological and social bounty that species disseminate to the general public both new provide. Consequently, knowledge about and already existing information about the the biota among which humans live and species diversity of Canada. The Biota of interact with is of importance to Canadian Canada project is inspired by, and will be society. For some taxa such as plants and somewhat modelled after, an earlier BSC vertebrates, recent lists of Canadian species project that culminated in the publication of and their distribution are readily accessible. Canada and Its Insect Fauna (Danks 1979). Nonetheless, there are still enormous infor- However, this new initiative will expand its mation gaps, particularly concerning hyper- coverage beyond terrestrial arthropods to all diverse groups such as invertebrate animals, species in Canada and build an open-access, bacteria and fungi that are relatively poorly web-based dynamic product that can be studied in spite of their influence on human updated continuously and into the foresee- health and prosperity. Clearly, much remains able future. To avoid duplication of effort, to be discovered (and disseminated) about existing information and data sources will be Canada’s biota. At this time we do not even linked to the Biota of Canada project, while have an inventory of which species live in other information and data will be compiled Canada. de novo as part of the project. Our capacity to respond to and predict societal emergencies and services involving Consult http://biologicalsurvey.ca/pages/ other species requires detailed understand- read/the-biota-of-canada for a complete ver- ing of how we interact with those species sion of the Biota of Canada vision document. and the roles that they play in the ecosystems on which we depend. Detailed study of all species in Canada is likely not achievable or affordable in the lifetimes of current Ca- nadians, however, a basic inventory including information about the known distribution and functional roles of species in Canada is an achievable goal that is foundational to meet international obligations (e.g., Conven- tion on Biological Diversity Aichi Targets) and fully implement the Canadian Biodiver- sity Strategy.

This is an opportunity for you to become involved in this project and have an influence on its design, content and functionality. Please send your feedback either via email to David Langor ([email protected])

References: Danks, H.V. (Ed.). 1979. Canada and its insect fauna. Mem. ent. Soc. Can. 108. 573 pp; Mos- quin, T. Whiting, P.G. & McAllister D.E. 1995. Canada’s biodiversity: the variety of life, its status, economic benefits, conservation costs and unmet needs. Canadian Museum of nature, Ottawa, ON. 293 pp.

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 20

FYI and FAQ about the BSC This section is intended to answer questions about the operations and membership of the BSC. Dave Langor, Northern Forestry Centre, Natural Resources Canada, Edmonton, AB

1. What is the BSC? The BSC is grass roots network of biologists that has been in existence for close to 40 years. The BSC is a non-profit, charitable organization that is dedicated to discovering, synthesizing, and sharing knowledge about Canada’s biological diversity. The objectives of the BSC are to: 1) identify and address gaps in knowledge of Canada’s biological diversity; 2) promote the importance of fundamental taxonomic research on Canadian species, and provide access to expertise on Canadian biodiversity; and 3) promote awareness of the values and vulnerabilities of Canada’s biological diversity by inspiring, educating, and engaging Canadians.

2. Who can join the BSC and what is the process? The BSC is open to anyone who has an interest in Canadian biodiversity and wishes to contribute to the BSC mandate and objectives. This includes Cana- dians and non-Canadians and professional and amateur biologists. There currently is no membership fee for joining the BSC. Prospective members need only write to the Secretary of the BSC [biologicalsurvey@ gmail.com, or see last page of the newsletter] and express interest in joining. It would also be helpful if you could explain how you wish to contribute to the BSC activities so that you can be linked quickly to members involved in those particular activities. It is expected that BSC members will become involved in ongoing or new BSC projects or other activities (e.g., communication, syntheses, research)

3. Is the BSC strictly for entomologists? While it is true that entomology and arachnology have been the main focus of the BSC over its 40 year history, it has always been (and continues to be) the desire of the BSC to be more inclusive in terms of taxa covered. The BSC will be continuing to expand its coverage of the biota of Canada, so those interested in taxonomy and diversity of snails, slugs, nematodes, milli- pedes, centipedes, protists, plants, lichens and other groups are becoming involved in the BSC and helping to diversify our suite of activities.

4. Why should I join the BSC? No other organization in Canada has the mandate or the track record for surveying and documenting the biological diversity of Canada. While such work certainly can be (and has been) done through individual effort, partnering with others of like interest through the BSC network provides opportunity for increased scope of work and an opportunity to pool resources and pursue new resources through collaboration. The ongoing projects and activities of the BSC all originated as a result of discussions and planning catalyzed by the BSC. Thus, if you have interest in surveying Canada’s biodiversity and analyzing and disseminating such information, the BSC can help by providing: expertise and advice born of 35 years of experience in such work; connections to other individuals and organizations that can assist; support to publish/disseminate results; and increased profile to the work through our communication tools (web site, blog, Newsletter, etc.).

5. Does the BSC have meetings? The Board of the BSC meets monthly (except during summer) by conference call and has frequent email communication. Thus the Board can deal quickly with new issues as they arise. Each year the BSC holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM) during the Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) of the Entomological Society of Canada, thus providing an opportunity for members to connect and discuss important issues. As well, during each JAM the BSC hosts a symposium on a topic relevant to its activities and mandate. This provides additional opportunity for members and non-members to interact.

6. What is the process for nominating and electing Directors and Officers? The By-laws of the BSC allow for up to 9 Directors. The current Officer positions are President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors and Officers are generally members of the BSC and are elected by the Directors at the first business meeting following the AGM at which they are elected. Directors and Officers serve for a term of two years, and are eligible for re-election. BSC members have an opportunity to nominate and vote on Directors at every second AGM (the next elections will be at the 2017 AGM).

7. How do I fit into the BSC?If you have interest in surveying and documenting the biota of Canada and disseminating such information to all Canadians, then the BSC is the place for you. The BSC has a few ongoing projects and activities (see our web site for descriptions) where you may immediately find a niche. However, the BSC is open to adding new projects and activities as needs and suggestions arise. So if you have an idea for something new that fits within the BSC mandate, please come forward with your proposal so that we can have an open discussion among all BSC members.

8. Is there funding available for work? The current fiscal resources of the BSC are limited and are largely reserved to support publication of BSC products. However, the BSC does help seek funding from outside agencies to support BSC Projects. Recent examples of outside funding successes are the Northern Biodiversity Program and the Terrestrial Arthropods of Newfoundland and Labrador Project. Direct and indi- rect support have also been obtained to support recent Bio-blitzes and the Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification. The Board of the BSC continually explores opportunities to increase funding support to the BSC.

If you have more questions about the BSC, please send your enquiry to the BSC Secretary (bio- [email protected]) Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 21

Notices

Recent Books available from the Biological Survey of Canada. These are available for download on the BSC website, and most are also available as softcover bound versions. See http://biologicalsurvey.ca/monographs for information:

Arthropods of Canadian Grasslands series Volume 1: Ecology and Interactions in Grassland Habitats. Volume 2: Inhabitants of a Changing Landscape Volume 3: Biodiversity and Systematics, Part 1 Volume 4: Biodiversity and Systematics, Part 2

A Handbook to the Ticks of Canada (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Ar- gasidae) The Biological Survey of Canada: A personal history

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Entomological Monographs

The Entomological Society of Canada has published a number of entomological monographs (including some of the popular Insects and Arachnids of Canada Series) on their website. To access these, go to: http://www.esc-sec.ca/aafcmono.php

If you prefer the monographs in bound format, these can still be obtained on a print-on- demand process though an agreement with Volumes Direct (http://www.volumesdirect. com/). Visit their website, and search for title or author.

Call for Proposals for a 2018 Biological Survey of Canada BioBlitz

A Bioblitz is a great way to start or implement a faunal inventory of a region, as can be seen by reading the report of the 2016 bioBlitz in this issue. Plans are underway for a bioblitz in the Cypress Hills of Alberta and Saskatchewan. If you are interested in organizing a BioBlitz for the next summer, please contact the Biological Survey of Canada: [email protected]

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 22

Add Your Voice: Biological Survey of Canada on Social media

Join the biodiversity discussion on the BSC facebook site, and other ways to engage in discussing topics in Canadian biodiversity.

visit our facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/biolsurvey1can/?fref=nf#

Who we are: The Biological Survey of Canada is a Not-for-Profit Corporation dedicated to promoting biodiversity science in Canada - The BSC consists of an elected board of directors and hip represent- ing all areas of biodiversity science, though with a focus on Arthropods. - We produce a newsletter twice per year, organize events such as the annual BSC Symposium at the Entomological Society of Canada (ESC) meeting, a “Curation Blitz” at some ESC meetings, and assist in organizing BioBlitzes when possible. Anyone can receive the newsletter, by sending a request to the Sec- retary (address below). - Membership is free, and includes this newsletter and the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting. All members are encouraged to become actively involved in BSC projects, propose new projects, or to run for the positions on the Board of Directors. (A nominal membership fee may be charged in future to cover infrastructure costs). - The Annual General Meeting is held each fall at the annual meeting of the Ento- mological Society of Canada.

To Join the BSC: Send an email to Dr. J. Savage, Secretary, BSC. [email protected]

- In the subject line, write “BSC Membership” - in the body of the message, give your full name and contact information, and a valid email address. Remember to update the BSC if you change email addresses. Please also provide some information on your background and biodiversity interests.

Volume 35(2) Winter 2016 Return to front page