By Laurie Zitterkopf
Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
April 16 – The Regal Fritillary is ranked as a Tier 1 at-risk butterfly in Nebraska. Tier 1 species are those that are globally or nationally most at-risk of extinction and which occur in Nebraska. Regal Fritillaries are found statewide. Their larval host plants are native violets. The butterflies emerge in mid-June, with the females surviving into early September. They overwinter as a newly hatched larva. Regal Fritillaries have been found at the Wildcat Hills. Look for them starting in mid-June.
April 17 – The western Regal Fritillary is found in 14 states in the native grasslands of the central and northern Great Plains (Nebraska). The species needs violets to support larval growth, nectar sources that sustain breeding females into the fall, and native grasslands with tall vegetation that provide shelter for all life stages. The primary threats are habitat loss, grassland conversion resulting from agricultural and urban development, pesticide use, and invasive plants. Livestock grazing is essential to maintain prairie health for these butterflies.
April 18 – Regal Fritillary Butterfly is rapidly vanishing or declining in much of its range. A species of concern for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The loss of native habitat, especially those that contain violets, is the primary cause for the decline. Loss of habitat with high-quality nectar sources for adults, such as native prairie, is a concern. Connectivity between useable habitats is important. Good sources of nectar for the adult butterflies are milkweeds, thistles, and mountain mint.
April 19 – Management Recommendations for the Regal Fritillary and other pollinators:
• Develop a pollinator habitat. Where you live.
• Protect and manage high-quality native prairie.
• Develop connectivity between quality habitats. Plant natives where you live.
• Planting native nectar plants to improve habitat. Dotted liatris, rose milkweed, native thistles, and mountain mint are just a few.
• Avoid broadcast spraying of pesticides and herbicides at known sites to minimize the loss of adults and nectar sources.
April 20 – The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly is found throughout Nebraska. The larval host plants are Green ash and Chokecherry trees. They overwinter in the pupa stage, many at the base of “their tree” and pupate just beneath the surface of debris. Plant trees in an island to leave the leaves for the pupa of your favorite butterflies. Our native Western Sandcherry is the host plant to 170 species of butterflies and moths in our area. Is it host to your favorite?