Origin of tundra butterflies in Alberta

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Pike, E. M.

Source:

Quaestiones Entomologicae, Department of Entomology, University of Alberta, Volume 16, Issue 3/4, p.555-596 (1980)

Call Number:

A80PIK01IDUS

URL:

http://nature.berkeley.edu/~kipwill/QE%20documents%20for%20public/Pike%201980%20QEv16n3_4%20555_596%20CC%20released.pdf

Keywords:

Boloria alberta, Boloria astarte, Colias nastes, Euphydryas editha, Lycaena phlaeas, Lycaena snowi, Oeneis bore, Oeneis melissa, Oeneis polixenes, tundra butterflies

Abstract:

Four distribution types are recognized in the tundra butterfly fauna of Alberta. These indicate two source areas. The major source area was south of Wisconsin ice in northern Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Nine taxa survived in this unglaciated area, five with a Southern Montane distribution: Lycaena phlaeas arethusa (Wolley-Dod 1907), Lycaena snowi snowi (Edwards, 1881), Oeneis polixenes brucei (Edwards, 1891), Oeneis bore edwardsi dos Passos, 1949, and Oeneis melissa beani Elwes, 1893. The remaining four have a Central Montane distribution: Colias nastes streckeri Grim-Grschimaillo, 1895, Boloria astarte (Doubleday, 1846-1852(1847)), Boloria alberta (Edwards, Edwards 1890) Euphydryas editha beani Skinner, 1897. This refugium was restricted on the north by the presence of ice and on the other three sides by lack of suitable habitat, indicating a narrow and discontinuous tundra belt south of Wisconsin ice. With retreat of Wisconsin ice, dispersal north was stopped by the elimination of continuous tundra in mountain valleys. Taxa with disjunct populations or endemic forms survived glaciations in an Albertan refugium in the vicinity of Mountain Park. The Albertan refugium did not contribute significantly to the colonization of present day Alberta tundra. Disjunct distribution is shown by Boloria improba youngi (Holland, 1900). Endemic forms are Boloria eunomia nichollae (Barnes and Benjamin, 1926), Boloria napaea reiffi Reuss, 1925, and an ecological form of Oeneis melissa beani Elwes, 1893. This investigation yielded information on two isolated refugia. Therefore, the study of butterfly distribution patterns is deemed of great potential value in the study of Wisconsin glacial refugia in general.