首页|Phenology, distribution and conservation of the desert sand-skipper Croitana aestiva Edwards (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Phenology, distribution and conservation of the desert sand-skipper Croitana aestiva Edwards (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
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NSTL
Springer Nature
The desert sand-skipper Croitana aestiva Edwards is endemic to central Australia, a region with a semi-arid climate. The species was known from a total of eight specimens collected in 1966 and 1972 at three locations west of Alice Springs but was then not positively recorded for the next 35 years, leading to its listing nationally as an Endangered species. In February 2007 a population was rediscovered during targeted surveys following a significant rainfall event, leading to the broader question of how climate influences its life cycle. In this paper I describe the species' distribution, listing all the localities at which the species was observed during targeted surveys from 2007 to 2010. Adult phenology of one population over this period is presented, along with that for the closely related inland sand-skipper Croitana arenaria arenaria Edwards, which occurs in the same area. The desert sand-skipper is now known from 13 extant locations, of which 11 are new. This species has a calculated Extent of Occurrence of 1141 square kilometres and an Area of Occupancy of 48 square kilometres, but the true distribution is likely to be greater. Adults of both Croitana Waterhouse taxa are entirely dependent on adequate rainfall for emergence, with more adults after greater rainfall. Both taxa are threatened by the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires promoted by buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) (Poaceae) an exotic pasture grass, as well as climate change. Implications for insect conservation Baseline distributional information presented in this paper will be essential for monitoring and future assessments of conservation status. Understanding adult phenology will be crucial to future conservation efforts as the impacts of climate change in central Australia become clearer.
NSTL
Springer Nature
