Abstract Detail

Ecology

Johnson, Zachary [1], Rasmussen, Megan [2], Morgan, Eric [3].

Late season photosynthetic activity of three species of Asclepias and its impact on the selection of oviposition sites and survival of Danaus plexippus caterpillars.

Photosynthetic rates act as good indicators of the physiological activity of different plant species under variable conditions. Here we present data on the photosynthetic rates of three species of milkweed, Asclepias currassavica, A. physocarpa, and A. syriaca, and how those rates differ from each other based upon factors such as photoperiod and temperature. In search of suitable host plants, the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), will encounter only A. currassavica and A. physocarpa in a physiologically “active” state during much of their fall migration through Long Island, New York. This activity may be disrupting the normal migratory pattern of the monarch, with the species ovipositing solely on A. physocarpa at a time when it is too late in the season for individuals to properly develop to adulthood. Only one of the species (A. syriaca), is native to the northeastern United States and shows little to no physiological activity for much of the migration period. With this data we propose that planting of the non-native species of Asclepias may in fact be harming populations of the monarch butterfly.

1 - 168 Dickie Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10314, United States
2 - 110 Juniper Street, Islip, NY, 11751, United States
3 - 2350 Broadhollow Rd, Department Of Biology - Hale Hall, Farmingdale , NY, 11375, United States

Keywords:
Asclepias
Monarch
Long Island
New York.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Ecology
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEC029
Abstract ID:951
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Undergraduate Presentation Award