Community characteristics and vegetation management of Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) habitats on rights-of-way in east-central New York, USA

Published source details Smallidge P.J., Leopold D.J. & Allen C.M. (1996) Community characteristics and vegetation management of Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) habitats on rights-of-way in east-central New York, USA. Journal of Applied Ecology, 33, 1405-1419.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Manage land under power lines for butterflies and moths Action Link

Manage land under power lines for butterflies and moths

A site comparison study in 1990 along 16 power line rights-of-way in New York State, USA (Smallidge et al. 1996) found that the type of management used under power lines did not affect Karner blue butterfly Lycaeides melissa samuelis abundance. Karner blue population size was similar along power lines managed by cutting vegetation and those managed by applying herbicide (data presented as model results). The average number of years since management was not significantly different between sites with a large (3.3 years), small (3.0 years) or no Karner blue population (4.6 years). Sixteen power line rights-of-way were managed by applying herbicides or cutting vegetation on 3–8-year cycles, and data on at least the last two methods used at each site were available. Karner blue butterflies were surveyed at each site in 1990, and the maximum number seen during a visit was used as an estimate of population size. Sites were classified as having a large (>20 individuals), small (1–20 individuals) or no population of Karner blue butterflies.

(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)