Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009

Report Citation: Parkinson, L. S.A. Blanchette, J. Heron. 2009. Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009, B.C. Ministry of Environment, Ecosystems Branch, Wildlife Science Section, Vancouver, B.C.

Cover illustration: Callophrys johnsoni, June 2007, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver, B.C. Photo by Michelle Connolly.

Content and photographs (excluding cover photograph) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the photographer and the source (the source is this report).

Contact Information for report: Jennifer Heron, Invertebrate Specialist, B.C. Ministry of Environment, Ecosystems Branch, Wildlife Science Section, 316 – 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Z1. Phone: 604-222-6759. Email: [email protected]

Acknowledgements

Fieldwork was conducted by Laura Parkinson and Sophie-Anne Blanchette, B.C. Conservation Corps Invertebrate Species at Risk Crew. Jennifer Heron (B.C. Ministry of Environment) provided maps, planning and guidance for this project.

Funding was provided by the B.C. Ministry of Environment through the B.C. Conservation Corp program (Ben Finkelstein, Manager and Bianka Sawicz, Program Coordinator), the B.C. Ministry of Environment Wildlife Science Section (Alec Dale, Manager) and Conservation Framework Funding (James Quayle, Manager). Funding for this project was administered by the British Columbia Conservation Foundation (Joanne Neilson). Joanne Neilson (B.C. Conservation Foundation) was a tremendous help and support to this project. This project links with concurrent invertebrate stewardship projects funded by the federal Habitat Stewardship Program for species at risk. This project aligns with the provincial Conservation Framework.

B.C. Conservation Data Centre provided previous records and location information for Johnson’s Hairstreak. Thanks to Denis Knopp, who confirmed the identification of the Johnson’s Hairstreak specimen collected during this survey. Rob Cannings (Royal British Columbia Museum) identified terrestrial insects collected by hand and Rex Kenner (Beaty Biodiversity Museum Spencer Entomological Collection) identified aquatic beetles. Kristiina Ovaska and Lennart Sopuck identified gastropods and aquatic molluscs. Special thanks to Crispin Guppy who provided help with identification of specimens, photographs and further insights into habitat for various butterfly species recorded during this survey. Thank you to Michelle Connolly for providing background information and insight regarding Johnson’s Hairstreak. Thank you to Karen Needham (Beaty Biodiversity Museum Spencer Entomological Collection) for helping with specimen identifications and resources.

Survey information from this project was sent to the B.C. Conservation Data Centre (Leah Ramsay) and Wildlife Inventory Database (Diana Demarchi). Butterflies and incidental insect specimens collected are deposited with the Beaty Biodiversity Museum Spencer Entomological Collection at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver (Karen Needham, Curator) and at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria (Claudia Copley, Collections Manager).

All photographs in this report were taken by Laura Parkinson and Sophie-Anne Blanchette, except for the cover photo taken by Michelle Connolly.

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. iii

Executive Summary

Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) is a small, inconspicuous brown butterfly. Its range in British Columbia (B.C.) includes southeastern Vancouver Island and the south western lower mainland, extending eastward as far as Hope. Recent records are from a handful of sites in the greater Vancouver area. Johnson’s Hairstreak is red-listed by the B.C. Conservation Data Center and has a gobal rank of G2G3 (Natureserve, 2009). Johnson’s Hairstreak is currently awaiting assessment by COSEWIC (2009).

This survey was initiated to gain more information on the range extent of Johnson’s Hairstreak on the Sunshine Coast and continues from fieldwork completed by Michelle Connlly in 2007. Five days of surveys targeting Johnson’s Hairstreak habitat were completed during June 2009. The geographic area surveyed focused on crown land accessible via forest service roads east of the Jervis Inlet between the towns of Sechelt and Gibsons. Habitats targeted for surveys included sites with mature western hemlock (Tsuga heterophyla) potentially infected by dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp.), the host plant of Johnson’s Hairstreak. All butterfly observations were recorded.

Eleven butterfly species were observed during this survey. No exotic species were observed. Johnson’s Hairstreak was the only species of conservation concern observed; two adults were observed on Sechelt-Dakota Forest Service Road near Sechelt.

There is much potential Johnson’s Hairstreak habitat that remains to be surveyed on the Sunshine Coast. Future inventory should focus on the suitable habitat further north along the Sunshine Coast to Powell River.

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. iv

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ...... iii

Executive Summary ...... iv

Introduction ...... 7

Background Information ...... 7

Survey Area ...... 8 Butterfly Surveys ...... 8 Aquatic Surveys...... 10

Methods ...... 10 Butterfly Surveys ...... 10 Aquatic Surveys...... 11 Hand Searching for Other Terrestrial Insects ...... 11

Results ...... 12

Johnson’s Hairstreak Location Description ...... 12 Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road ...... 12

Other Butterfly Observations ...... 14 Grey Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) ...... 14 Cedar Hairstreak (Callophrys nelsonii) ...... 14 Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) ...... 14 Lorquin’s admiral (Limentis lorquini) ...... 14 Mylitta Crescent (Phycoides mylitta) ...... 15 Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon) ...... 15 Western Meadow Fritillary (Boloria epithore) ...... 16 Painted Lady (Vannessa cardui) ...... 16 Clodius Parnassian (Parnassius Clodius) ...... 17 Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis) ...... 17

Other Invertebrate Observations ...... 18 Aquatic Surveys...... 18 Hand-searching for other terrestrial invertebrates ...... 18

Discussion ...... 19

Recommendations for future surveys ...... 19

References ...... 21

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. v

Appendix ...... 22

List of Tables Table 1: Locations of sites in Sechelt area where aquatic sampling was conducted opportunistically on June 24 2009 ...... 10 Table 2: Summary of Butterfly Observations (June 16-23, 2009)...... 12 Table 3: Terrestrial insects collected opportunistically in the Sechelt area on June 18 2010, as identified by Rob Cannings ...... 19

List of Figures Figure 1: Transects surveyed for Johnson’s Hairstreak in late June 2009 (yellow lines represent transects, black squares represent possible Johnson’s Hairstreak sightings) ...... 9 Figure 2: Photos of Johnson’s Hairstreak specimen taken on June 23 2009 from Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road. Photos by Sophie-Anne Blanchette...... 13 Figure 3: Photo of a Pale swallowtail taken on an unmarked road just north of Sechelt/Roberts FSR on June 18 2009. Photo by Laura Parkinson...... 16 Figure 4: Photo of Painted Lady butterfly taken on Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road on June 23 2009. Photo by Sophie-Anne Blanchette...... 17 Figure 5: Photo of Hoary Comma taken on an unmarked Forest Service Road near Sechelt on June 18 2009. Photo by Laura Parkinson...... 18

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. vi

Introduction

Introduction

Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) is a small brown butterfly with a global distribution along the Pacific coast of North America from northern California to southern British Columbia (B.C). Johnson’s Hairstreak is red listed in B.C. (B.C. Conservation Data Centre, 2009) due to the small number of occurrences and limited distribution. The species’ global conservation status rank is G2G3 (globally vulnerable/globally imperilled) (Natureserve, 2009). At the national level Johnson’s Hairstreak has not been assessed by COSEWIC although the species is considered a priority for status assessment (COSEWIC 2009).

In B.C., Johnson’s Hairstreak occurs on south-eastern Vancouver Island and through the lower Fraser Valley eastward as far as Hope. The species is known to occur only in a few sites in the Vancouver area, including Lynn Canyon Park, Stanley Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park and University of British Columbia Malcolm Knapp Research Forest near Maple Ridge (Guppy and Shepard, 2001; B.C. Conservation Data Centre, 2009). A few records for the species occur in the Powell River area, Hope, and the lower Fraser Valley. However, much potential habitat along the coast of B.C. remains to be surveyed (Cannings, 2004; Muir et al., 2007). The species is known to occur at elevations below 625 m above sea level (Guppy and Shepard, 2001; B.C. Conservation Data Centre, 2009).

Previous surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak along the Sunshine Coast are limited. Michelle Connolly completed a few days of surveys in 2007, when preparing a draft provincial status report for the species (M. Connolly, pers. comm., 2009). Local natural history groups have also conducted surveys in the Sechelt area.

The B.C. Conservation Corps Invertebrate Species at Risk Crew conducted surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak in the Sechelt area on the Sunshine Coast on June 16 - 18th, 2009 and June 22-23rd, 2009. This survey aims to fill some of the knowledge gaps around distribution of the species in B.C. on the southern portion of the Sunshine Coast.

The objectives of this survey are to: 1) Survey potentially suitable habitats for Johnson’s Hairstreak on the borders of the species known range in southwestern B.C. 2) Gain information on the habitat preferences and life history of Johnson’s Hairstreak 3) Survey opportunistically for other terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

Background Information

Johnson’s Hairstreak is a dark brown butterfly with a white post median line on the ventral side of the upper and lower wings. The male has a chocolate brown dorsal colouration while the female’s dorsal colouration is a reddish brown. Johnson’s Hairstreak has a wingspan of 25-30 mm (Guppy and Shepard, 2001). The flight period for Johnson’s Hairstreak is from late May through early July with one generation per year (Guppy and Shepard, 2001).Johnson’s Hairstreak larvae depend solely upon conifer parasitizing mistletoes, especially dwarf mistletoe

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 7

Survey Area

(Arceuthobium sp.) parasitizing western hemlock (Guppy and Shepard, 2001). Dwarf mistletoe is widely distributed along the Pacific coast (Muir et al., 2007) and grows in trees of all age- classes; yet Johnson’s Hairstreak caterpillars require exposed mistletoe mass and these fruiting structures predominantly occur in older-growth western hemlock trees. Older-growth forests with a significant component of exposed mistletoe mass are limited on the southern coast, partially due to forest harvest and management decisions that promote the growth of uninfected trees.

Survey Area

Butterfly Surveys

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak targeted forests composed of mature western hemlock trees potentially infected with dwarf mistletoe adjacent to forest service roads on crown land on the Sunshine Coast, east of the Jervis Inlet between the towns of Sechelt and Gibsons (Figure 1). This is a high use recreational area encompassing a complex of mountain bike and hiking trails. As a result a relatively high volume of vehicles were encountered by surveyors, particularly on the main forest service roads. Busier roads were not selected for surveys, because these roads were more disturbed – for example, roadside vegetation was covered in dust. Several other disturbances were encountered in this area including recent logging activity, powerlines and a gas pipeline, trail maintenance on mountain bike trails, long term campsites and campsite remains, and a municipal landfill.

The forest age ranged from recent clear cuts to open second growth forest with mature western hemlock (Tsuga heterophyla) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata). Roads bisecting young dense forests were not surveyed as these roads had little to no flowers for butterfly forage, were not penetrated by sunlight and the trees were too young or the wrong species to be infected by dwarf mistletoe.

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 8

Survey Area

Figure 1: Transects surveyed for Johnson’s Hairstreak in late June 2009 (yellow lines represent transects, black squares represent possible Johnson’s Hairstreak sightings)

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 9

Methods

Aquatic Surveys

Three unnamed sites were sampled adjacent to Sechelt Forest Service Road (FSR). Site 1 was a small lake and sites 2 and 3 were shallower, marshy areas. See Table 1 below for UTM locations of wetlands sampled.

Table 1: Locations of sites in Sechelt area where aquatic sampling was conducted opportunistically on June 24 2009 UTM zone; 10 NAD 83 Site Name Easting Northing Survey Length (min) Site 1 448054 5494132 60 Site 2 448065 5494358 90 Site 3 447823 5494855 120

Methods

Potential habitat surveyed for Johnson’s Hairstreak included open forests penetrated by sunlight with some flowers to provide forage for butterflies, ideally composed of mature western hemlock infected by dwarf mistletoe. Because Johnson’s Hairstreak will fly to open areas adjacent to mistletoe stands, additional habitats surveyed included natural bogs and meadows, disturbed areas such as powerlines, regenerating clear cuts and gas pipelines that provide open areas with flowers and corridors through forested areas. Only habitats below 800 m elevation were surveyed because previous Johnson’s Hairstreak observations have all been found below 625 m elevation.

Butterfly Surveys

Using the habitat search image described above, maps and ground-reconnaissance were used to select survey sites. Surveys were conducted on June 16 - 18th, 2009 and June 22- 23rd, 2009. Surveys occurred from 10:00 to 17:00 during the species’ flight period (late June). Although surveys prioritized Johnson’s Hairstreak habitat, all butterflies were recorded as incidental observations (see Appendix).

Surveys were conducted by the B.C. Conservation Corps Invertebrate Species at Risk Crew: two people completing wandering transects through potential habitat. Wandering transects follow no set transects, pre-determined grid, or fixed route and allow the surveyor to change course depending on habitat suitability. Wandering transects are an efficient method of determining butterfly presence when little information is available.

Wandering transects were recorded as tracks using a Garmin handheld GPS (geographic positioning system) unit. When butterflies were observed (including incidental observations), the following information was recorded: 1) butterfly species and number of individuals

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 10

Methods observed; 2) point location using GPS handheld device (accuracy within 10m); 3) general weather comments; 4) general location description.

Butterflies were identified by sight when possible. A net was used to capture individuals and confirm identification using field guides when it was not possible to identify the species in flight, as well as to photograph specimens. One voucher specimen was taken, identified as a Johnson’s Hairstreak by Denis Knopp (Knopp, pers. comm., 2009).

Due to limited field time sites were only visited once with a minimum of fifteen minutes search time at the site.

Butterflies were identified using Butterflies of British Columbia (Acorn and Sheldon, 2006).

Aquatic Surveys

Surveys for aquatic invertebrates were conducted opportunistically in cold and rainy weather inappropriate for butterfly surveys on June 24 2009. Samples were collected using aquatic sampling round-rimmed dip nets, which were used to scrape the top soft layer of sediment at a depth of up to approximately 1.25 m along the shore of small lakes, roadside marshes and swampy areas. The sediment in the net was then sifted through and any aquatic gastropods or insects observed were taken as specimens. Specimens were preserved in vials in 95% ethanol. Specimens were subsequently sent to experts for identification. Sampling was conducted along accessible shoreline.

Hand Searching for Other Terrestrial Insects

During butterfly surveys other terrestrial insects were collected opportunistically by hand or using the butterfly net and stored in vials in 95% ethanol. Although several different families were collected, the bias was towards collecting beetles (Coleoptera).

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 11

Other Butterfly Observations

Results

Sixty-four individual butterflies comprising eleven different species were observed during this survey (some individuals could not be identified to species) (Table 1, Appendix). No introduced species were observed and one red-listed species, Johnson’s Hairstreak, was identified (Tables 1 & 2).

A total of 46.6 hours (2798 minutes) were spent surveying potential habitat for Johnson’s Hairstreak in the Sechelt and Robert’s Creek areas. A total distance of 77.2 km of transects were surveyed throughout 14 different sites over five days. Time spent surveying was maximized for sites with suitable habitat and minimized for sites with marginal habitat (see potential habitat description above).

Table 2: Summary of Butterfly Observations (June 16-23, 2009).

Conservation Status Rank* English Name Scientific Name British Columbia Provincial Global Number Grey Hairstreak Strymon melinus Yellow listed S5 G5 1 Cedar Hairstreak Callophyrs nelsoni Yellow listed S5 G5 1 Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus Yellow listed S5 G5 4 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini Yellow listed S5 G5 14 Mylitta Crescent Phycoides mylitta Yellow listed S5 G5 1 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon Yellow listed S5 G5 16 Western Meadow Fritillary Boloria epithore Yellow listed S5 G5 1 Johnson’s Hairstreak Callophrys johnsoni Red listed S1S2 G2G3 2 Painted Lady? Vanessa cardui Yellow listed S5 G5 1 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 18 Clodius Parnassian Parnassius clodius Yellow listed S5 G5 1 Hoary Comma? Polygonia gracilis Yellow listed S5 G5 3 Comma sp. Polygonia sp. 1 Hairstreak sp. Unidentified 1

Johnson’s Hairstreak Location Description

Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road

Two observations of Johnson’s Hairstreak were made along Sechelt Forest Service Road on June 23, 2009. Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road was surveyed from 10:55 to 16:45 in warm and sunny weather, approximately 17 C. Butterfly surveys began along an open stretch of road, a south-facing slope with a steep drop on one side and rocky cliffs on the other, and an abundance of flowers growing adjacent to the road. The road gradually became more forested, but the forest was open and flower forage was still present. The road forked in a clearing, with one branch of the road becoming less suitable for foraging by butterflies – the trees becoming smaller and denser, the forest littered with garbage with the road ending at the municipal landfill. The second branch of the road led to an open forested

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 12

Other Butterfly Observations area with western hemlock and moderate flower forage which then became a 5-10 year old regenerating clear cut. The third branch of the road switched back along the road and was not surveyed.

Johnson’s Hairstreak was observed before the road forked, on a south facing slope in mature forest (second or third growth) with some large western hemlock trees. The forest was open enough for some sunlight penetration, with flowers growing along both sides of the road.

One Johnson’s Hairstreak was observed flying along the road at 11:44 at 290 m elevation (UTM Zone 10 NAD 83: 447995 (Easting), 5482762 (Northing)). The specimen appeared worn and was fraying along the wing margins (Figure 2). When compared with Cedar Hairstreak, also observed along the Sechelt-Dakota Forest Service Road, Johnson’s Hairstreak was noticeably darker brown in colour. The Johnson’s Hairstreak specimen was collected and identification confirmed by Denis Knopp (Knopp, pers. comm., 2009).

The second Johnson’s Hairstreak evaded capture and was observed in flight only. The identification was made based on it’s similarity to the Johnson’s Hairstreak specimen taken in flight pattern and appearance – particularly the dark brown colour. This individual was observed flying along the road approximately 600 m east of the specimen taken along Sechelt-Dakota FSR at 12:35 (UTM Zone 10, NAD 83: 448629 (Easting), 5482679 (Northing)).

Figure 2: Photos of Johnson’s Hairstreak specimen taken on June 23 2009 from Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road. Photos by Sophie-Anne Blanchette.

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 13

Other Butterfly Observations

Other Butterfly Observations

All other butterflies observed were species not considered to be at risk provincially, nationally or globally (B.C. Conservation Data Center, 2009). These observations are briefly listed below.

Grey Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Grey Hairstreak is found on Vancouver Island and across southern B.C. It flies in two broods, one from late April to early July and the second from mid-July to late August. Grey Hairstreak is usually found in the understory of Douglas Fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii) or Pine (Pinus spp.) or in riparian areas that provide habitat for plants in the legume family (Fabaceae), the larval food plants of Grey Hairstreak (Guppy and Shepard, 2001).

One Grey Hairstreak was observed on June 17 on a warm sunny afternoon in an open area with some flowers for forage along the gas pipeline, an artificially cleared corridor bisecting the forest and the forest service road.

Cedar Hairstreak (Callophrys nelsonii)

Cedar Hairstreak is found on southern Vancouver Island east to the west Kootenays in B.C. It flies from late April to early June in coastal areas and from mid-May to late June in the interior. It can be found wherever its larval food plant, Western Red Cedar grows. Adults feed on daisies (Erigeron spp.) and other wild flowers (Guppy and Shepard, 2001).

One Cedar Hairstreak was observed on June 23 on the Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road on a sunny afternoon (see location description above).

Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus)

Western Tiger Swallowtail is found in the southern part of the province from Vancouver Island to the lower Fraser River Valley, east to the Okanagan and Kootenay valleys. The species is found in or adjacent to forested, woody areas nearby running water where moisture is available for mud-puddling (Species Bank, 2003). This includes along creeks, rivers, canyons and urban parks. The larvae are known to feed on a diversity of trees and shrub including Willow (Larix spp.), Poplar (Populus spp.) and Birch (Betula spp.) (Natureserve, 2009).

Four individuals were observed on June 23 on the Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road on a sunny afternoon. The total number observed is likely an underestimate, as 18 swallowtails observed in flight at several different sites were not identified to species.

Lorquin’s admiral (Limentis lorquini)

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 14

Other Butterfly Observations

Lorquin’s Admiral is wide spread across the southern part of B.C. including Vancouver Island up to Emerald Lake. It is found in or adjacent to forested areas, parks and orchards. Its larval food plant includes many deciduous trees like Willow, Poplar and Cottonwood, and Cherry (Prunus spp.) (Guppy and Shepard, 2001).

Fourteen individuals were observed at four different sites. One was observed on Roberts Flume road on June 16th on a cloudy afternoon flying in the foliage, five were observed flying along the gas pipeline on sunny afternoons on June 17th and 18th, one was observed flying on an unmarked road on June 18th, and seven were observed on June 23rd .on Sechelt- Dakota Forest Service Road on a sunny day.

Mylitta Crescent (Phycoides mylitta)

Mylitta Crescent is a common butterfly found in southern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. The species is commonly observed in meadows, parks and along roads. Caterpillars utilize thistles (Cirsium and Caardus spp.) as food plant (Opler et al., 2009).

One individual was observed on June 23 on the Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road on a sunny afternoon.

Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon)

Pale Swallowtail occurs only in the southern portion of B.C., as far north as Wells Gray and South Tweedsmuir Provincial parks (Species Bank, 2003). The adults prefer open woodlands, foothills and streamsides. This butterfly is often found hilltopping and mud- puddling (Species Bank, 2003) Larval food plant includes trees and shrubs in the Rose (Rosaceae), Buckthorn (Rhamnaceae) and Birch (Betulaceae) families including Cherry (Prunus emarginata) and Ash (Fraxinus spp.)(Opler et al., 2009).

Sixteen individuals were observed at two different sites. Fifteen were observed on June 23 on the Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road on a sunny afternoon, and one was observed on an unmarked road on June 18th. The total number observed may be an underestimate, as 18 swallowtails observed in flight at several different sites were not identified to species.

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 15

Other Butterfly Observations

Figure 3: Photo of a Pale swallowtail taken on an unmarked road just north of Sechelt/Roberts FSR on June 18 2009. Photo by Laura Parkinson.

Western Meadow Fritillary (Boloria epithore)

Western Meadow Fritillary is found across southern B.C., except in the Chilcotin region, and in the Coast Ranges in northern B.C. It is found in meadows associated with coniferous stands and subalpine meadows on the coast and in alpine meadows in the interior. Western Meadow Fritillary flies from early May to early September, but only for a duration approximately three weeks within any one population (Guppy and Shepard, 2001). Adults feed on violets (Viola spp.) (Opler et al., 2009).

One Western Meadow Fritillary was observed on June 17 2009 on a warm sunny afternoon in an open area with some flowers for forage along the gas pipeline, an artificially cleared corridor bisecting the forest and the forest service road.

Painted Lady (Vannessa cardui)

Painted Lady is one of the most cosmopolitan butterflies in the world, found in both tropical, temperate and arctic areas across the northern and southern hemispheres. They are found scattered all over B.C., although they are most common in southern B.C., including Vancouver Island. Painted Lady migrates to B.C. from deserts in the southern United States and northern Mexico, and are not seen every year. A diversity of larval food plants are used, usually Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) or Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) in B.C. (Guppy and Shepard, 2001).

One Painted Lady was observed on the Sechelt-Dakota Forest Service Road on June 23 on a sunny afternoon flying in an open area among flowers adjacent to the road (Figure 4).

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 16

Other Butterfly Observations

Figure 4: Photo of Painted Lady butterfly taken on Sechelt Dakota Forest Service Road on June 23 2009. Photo by Sophie- Anne Blanchette.

Clodius Parnassian (Parnassius Clodius)

Clodius Parnassian is a relatively large white butterfly. This species is endemic to North America where it is found in Southern Alaska, B.C., northern California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. Adults inhabit open alpine woods and openings where its larval food plant, bleeding heart (Dicentra spp.) can be found in adjacent canyon and ridges (B.C. Conservation Data Centre, 2009).

One Clodius Parnassian was observed on the Sechelt-Dakota Forest Service Road on June 23 on a sunny afternoon flying in a 5-10 year old regenerating clear cut.

Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis)

Hoary Comma is found across BC with the exception of the central coast, northern Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands. There is some disagreement among taxonomists as to whether this is a separate species from the Zephyr Anglewing found across southern BC, but here they have been treated as the same species, on the recommendation of C. Guppy (pers. comm., 2010). This butterfly utilizes forests as habitat and hibernates in stumps and hollow trees. Larvae use currant species (Ribes spp.) as food plants (Guppy and Shepard, 2001).

Three individuals were observed at two different sites. Two were observed on a sunny afternoon on June 18th on an unmarked road (see Figure 5). This road was somewhat open with some adjacent shrubs and small trees. One other comma was observed at this site also, but was not identified to species. Another hoary comma was observed on the afternoon of June 22 on a forested section of Sechelt Forest Service Road.

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 17

Other Butterfly Observations

Figure 5: Photo of Hoary Comma taken on an unmarked Forest Service Road near Sechelt on June 18 2009. Photo by Laura Parkinson.

Other Invertebrate Observations

Aquatic Surveys

Four and a half hours were spent conducting aquatic surveys at three different sites on June 24 2009. A majority of aquatic invertebrates found in the samples were either Odonate nymphs or gastropods. Odonate samples have been sent to an expert and are currently awaiting identification.

Seven aquatic mollusc specimens were collected. They were all pea or fingerling clams from the family Sphaeridae identified by Kristiina Ovaska and Lennart Sopuck. Four specimens were collected at Site 1 and three specimens were collected at Site 2. These specimens were not identified to genus or species as positive identification within this family can be extremely difficult to taxonomically identify.

Two aquatic beetles were taken as specimens. One Gyrinus picipes from site 2 and one Callicorixa vulnerata from site 3 were identified by Rex Kenner. He noted that these records were not unusual.

Hand-searching for other terrestrial invertebrates

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 18

Other Butterfly Observations

A limited number of terrestrial insects were collected opportunistically in the Sechelt area. Due to time constraints, not all specimens were identified, and some were not identified to greater precision than the level of family or genus. All terrestrial beetles idenitified in Table 3 below were collected on June 18, 2009. The ground beetle was found along the gas pipeline. The click beetle and leaf beetles were found on the Dakota Creek Forest Service Road. Three leaf beetles were collected from the leaves of large-leaved avens (Geum macrophyllum). Two leaf beetles are metallic blue, one is metallic green.

Table 3: Terrestrial insects collected opportunistically in the Sechelt area on June 18 2010, as identified by Rob Cannings Common Name Order Family Genus Species Click beetles Coleoptera Elateridae Ctenicera Leaf beetles Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Ground beetles Coleoptera Carabidae Ditylus quadricollis

Discussion

Although five days were spent surveying on the Sunshine Coast, the weather conditions during surveys were not ideal for butterfly activity. June 23rd, the day Johnson’s Hairstreak was observed in flight was the only survey day with sunny and warm weather conditions. The remaining four survey days had intermittent sunshine with cloudy and cooler periods. These areas should be resurveyed in future years. Marginal weather conditions may also have limited the diversity and/or abundance of incidental butterflies observed (see Appendix).

Johnson’s Hairstreak is a butterfly that is rarely seen, but much potential habitat remains to be surveyed (Cannings, 2004; Muir et al., 2007). While this butterfly is considered to be a habitat associate with old-growth or mature western hemlock, it may be able to tolerate some disturbance provided the hemlock dwarf mistletoe grows exposed mistletoe shoots (caterpillar forage). Current occurrences of Johnson’s Hairstreak are found in urban forests, and the specimen taken on the Sunshine Coast was also occupying highly disturbed habitat. Cannings (2004) notes that a limiting factor for this species may be the natural openings that allow sunlight penetration and understory/flower growth associated with older forests.

In spite of the high level of disturbance in the areas surveyed, and a diversity of introduced plants along roadsides and right-of-ways, no introduced species were observed. This is interesting as invasive species such as the cabbage white (Pieris rapae) are typically found along roadsides and in other disturbed habitat.

Recommendations for future surveys

Due to time constraints and weather too cool and cloudy for surveying, no surveys were done on forest service roads on crown land west of Sechelt and the Jervis Inlet (Figure 1). This

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 19

Discussion area would provide potential sites for future surveys. In addition, the potential habitat surveyed east of the Jervis Inlet in 2009 could also be resurveyed in future years in weather conditions more favourable for butterfly activity

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 20

References

References

Acorn, J. and I. Sheldon. 2006. Butterflies of British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing: Edmonton. 360pp.

B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2009. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/toolintro.html

B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2009. Species Summary: Parnassius clodius. B.C. Minist. of Environment. Available: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/

Cannings, R.J. 2004. Johnson’s Hairstreak. Accounts and Measures for Managing Identified Wildlife. Accounts V. 6 pp.

Guppy, C. 2010. Personal Communication.

Guppy, C. and J. Shepard. 2001. Butterflies of British Columbia. UBC Press: Vancouver. 414 pp.

Knopp, Denis. 2009. Butterfly Specialist. Personal communication.

Muir, J. A., Hennon, P. E., and R.W. Negrave. 2007. Biology, Ecology, and Management of Western Hemlock Dwarf Mistletoe in Coastal British Columbia: A Synthesis of the Literature. Forest Research Technical Report: Nanaimo. 28pp.

NatureServe. 2009. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer

Opler, P. A., K. Lotts, and T. Naberhaus, coordinators. 2009. Butterflies and Moths of North America. Bozeman, MT: Big Sky Institute. http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ (accessed August 18, 2009).

Pojar, J. and A. McKinnon. 1994. Plants of Coastal British Columbia including Washington, Oregon and Alaska. B.C. Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver, B.C. 526pp.

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 21

Appendix

Appendix

Incidental Butterfly Observations UTM Zone 10U; NAD 83

Number Date English Name Scientific Name observed Northing Easting 18/06/2009 Comma (hoary?) Polygonia gracilis 1 5480721 457839 22/06/2009 Comma (hoary?) Polygonia gracilis 1 5494251 448029 18/06/2009 Comma sp. Polygonia sp. 1 5480900 457938 23/06/2009 Cedar Hairstreak Callophyrs nelsoni 1 5482490 449744 17/06/2009 Grey Hairstreak Strymon melinus 1 5480607 450597 22/06/2009 Hairstreak sp. ? 1 5494884 448069 18/06/2009 Comma (hoary?) Polygonia gracilis 1 5481091 458059 17/06/2009 Lorquin`s Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5480723 450210 16/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5479057 454015 17/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5480666 450123 18/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5480613 449987 18/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5480551 449726 18/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5480423 449323 18/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5480707 457824 23/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5482499 449340 23/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5482192 449173 23/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5482675 448381 23/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5482663 448470 23/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5482527 449240 23/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5482712 450254 23/06/2009 Lorquin's Admiral Limenitus lorquini 1 5483710 451285 23/06/2009 Mylitta Crescent Phycoides mylitta 1 5482589 449037 23/06/2009 Painted Lady? Vanessa cardui 1 5482580 448859 17/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5480734 450273 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482674 448379 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482581 448859 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482581 448859 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482517 449329 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482780 450319 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482773 450357 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5483166 450677 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5483882 447506 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482489 449345 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482482 449345

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 22

Appendix

Incidental Butterfly Observations UTM Zone 10U; NAD 83

Number Date English Name Scientific Name observed Northing Easting 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482224 449282 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482612 450182 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482642 450235 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482944 450510 23/06/2009 Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon 1 5482947 450512 23/06/2009 Clodius Parnassian Parnassius clodius 1 5482742 450334 18/06/2009 Swallowtail (Pale?) Papilio eurymedon 1 5476743 456281 16/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5480037 452148 16/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5479715 452861 17/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5480737 450286 17/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5480686 450196 18/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5480489 457692 18/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5481048 458038 18/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5480602 449901 18/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5480555 449748 18/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5480443 449350 22/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5492868 448135 23/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5484004 447370 23/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5482782 447997 23/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5482668 448439 23/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5482362 449549 23/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5482237 449374 23/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5482460 449930 23/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5482461 449930 23/06/2009 Swallowtail sp. Papilio sp. 1 5482489 450025 17/06/2009 Western Meadow Frittilary Boloria epithore 1 5480852 450659 23/06/2009 Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus 1 5482580 448859 23/06/2009 Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus 1 5482590 449036 23/06/2009 Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus 1 5482492 449740 23/06/2009 Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus 1 5482508 449352

Surveys for Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) in Sechelt and Roberts Creek, British Columbia, June 2009. 23