Range-wide relative abundance of Pyrgus centaureae wyandot (W.H. Edwards, 1863) (Appalachian Grizzled Skipper)

Northeastern Naturalists
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the butterfly Pyrgus centaureae wyandot (Appalachian Grizzled Skipper [AGS]) to be at-risk, based on its declining populations and the lack of information on its status. Our objective was to conduct range-wide surveys to locate extant AGS colonies and to quantify the number of AGS observed at each location. From 2021 to 2024, we conducted 284 surveys in 25 unique (i.e., distinct) counties in 8 states (Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia). We found AGS in only 2 counties: Alleghany County, VA, and Greenbrier County, WV. AGS were observed 180 times in these counties. Our results can inform US Fish and Wildlife decisions about where and how future AGS conservation efforts can be implemented.

Suggested Citation

Vyas, N.B., Leppo, B., Orcutt, E., Goldner, J., Woods, P., White, E., Cuthrell, D., Drummey, D., Hamon, L., Selfridge, J., Rapp, A., Card, L., Wyza, E., Lynch, J.M., Tur, A., Nolan, K., Ratcliffe, J., Somes, R., and Olcott, S., 2026, Range-wide relative abundance of Pyrgus centaureae wyandot (W.H. Edwards, 1863) (Appalachian Grizzled Skipper): Northeastern Naturalists, v. 33, no. 2, p. 168-186.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Range-wide relative abundance of Pyrgus centaureae wyandot (W.H. Edwards, 1863) (Appalachian Grizzled Skipper)
Series title Northeastern Naturalists
Volume 33
Issue 2
Publication Date May 04, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher Eagle Hill Institute
Contributing office(s) Eastern Ecological Science Center
Description 19 p.
First page 168
Last page 186
Additional publication details