Pollinator Habitat Conservation Along Roadways, Volume 3: Florida (2023)

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3-1 Chapter 3 Imperiled Pollinator Profiles Florida is home to a diverse assemblage of pollinators. In this region, there are four pollinator species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and one candidate species as of March 2022. However, there are many imperiled pollinators in this region that are not protected by the ESA. This section provides profiles of ESA-listed and candidate pollinator species found in Florida, as well as imperiled pollinators that have the potential to be listed in the future based on NatureServe rankings and expert opinion (Table 3-1). The profiles of imperiled species not listed under the ESA include four imperiled bees and four imperiled butterflies. This is not an exhaustive list of all declining pollinators in the region; the focus is on species in need of conservation that have a broad distribution and those that are more likely to affect Departments of Transportation (DOTs). An overview of the basic biology of bees, butterflies, and other insect pollinators can be found in Chapter 2. This section presents information on life history, distribution, threats, and habitat requirements for imperiled pollinators in this region. Information on known adult flight times (i.e., the breeding period) and larval active times (for butterflies and moths; larval bees live within nests) are included. The profiles also include a list of important plants that are used by each species as host plants or for pollen and/or nectar. Some of these plants are nonnative species or noxious weeds. These species are included in the profiles, as the information may be useful, but using them in revegetation efforts is not recommended (see Chapter 7 for more). Some basic conservation recommendations and information on the effects of roadside management on each species are also provided, when such information is available. Insects generally tend to be less well studied than vertebrates; therefore, very little is known about the biology and habitat requirements of some of these species. Other pollinator species may be better studied, but rigorous studies of the effects of different management practices on the species or their habitat may still be lacking. The best possible recommendations are made based on the available information. The profiles provide information on life cycles, host plants, habitat needs, and adult flight times that can be used to tailor maintenance and revegetation decisions (Chapters 6 and 7). General active times for adults and larvae are also provided. It should be noted that active times may shift regionally, such as with elevation or latitude, or from year to year with changes in climate. However, consultation with local experts, as well as biologists from state and federal agencies, is recommended to help DOTs develop meaningful management plans for species of interest in their areas, because the profiles cannot capture the site- specific nuances that should be considered. As the profiles indicate, habitat loss is a primary driver of species’ declines. Roads can be a source of habitat fragmentation (Box 5-3). However, with investments in high-quality revegetation (revegetation that prioritizes usage of native plants and high plant diversity, including an abundance of flowering plants that provide pollen and nectar or act as host plants for butterflies) where appropriate, roadsides can also provide an ideal opportunity to increase habitat connectivity for many species, including pollinators. It is important to note that although some of the species profiled in this section may be unlikely to use

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-2 roadside habitat for breeding, individuals may still use roadside habitat for nectar or pollen or as movement corridors. Therefore, it is worthwhile to invest in high-quality habitat restoration projects along roadsides near natural areas, preserves, and populations of imperiled species. Another common threat to many imperiled butterflies in the United States is noxious and invasive plants that displace required host plants. Here again, investing in high-quality habitat restoration using native plants can benefit imperiled pollinators, even if those pollinators are not using roadside habitat, by helping to slow the spread of invasive plants into key habitat areas. This section includes profiles of pollinator species that may not occur in roadside habitat, but may be found in other DOT land holdings, such as mitigation areas. Table 3-1. List of profiled imperiled pollinator species in the Florida region. Scientific Name  Common Name  Status#  ESA Listed Pollinator Species  Anaea troglodyta floridalis  Florida leafwing butterfly  Endangered  Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri  Miami blue butterfly  Endangered  Danaus plexippus   Monarch butterfly  Candidate  Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus  Schaus swallowtail butterfly  Endangered  Strymon acis bartrami  Bartram’s hairstreak butterfly  Endangered  Declining Pollinator Species  Atrytone arogos  Arogos skipper  G2G3  Bombus fraternus  Southern plains bumble bee  G2G4  Bombus pensylvanicus*  American bumble bee  G3G4  Callophrys irus  Frosted elfin butterfly  G2G3  Euphyes dukesi calhouni*  Dukes’ skipper  G3G4T1  Euphyes pilatka klotsi*  Palatka skipper  G3T2  Hesperapis oraria*  Gulf Coast solitary bee  G1G2  Osmia calaminthae*  Blue calamintha bee  G1  * Species are under review or on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service workplan to be evaluated for listing under the ESA as of March 2022. # Status of pollinators is either the ESA status for listed species or is taken from NatureServe (accessed  March 2022) for species not listed under the ESA.    G1: Critically Imperiled. At very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often five or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors.  G2: Imperiled. At high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors.  G3: Vulnerable. At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors.  G4: Apparently Secure. Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long‐term concern due to declines or other factors.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-3  G5: Secure. Common; widespread and abundant.   G#G#: Range Rank. A numeric range rank (e.g., G2G3) is used to indicate the range of uncertainty in  the status of a species or community.   T#: Infraspecific Taxon (for subspecies or varieties). The status of infraspecific taxa is indicated by a  “T‐rank” following the species’ global rank. For example, the global rank of a critically imperiled  subspecies of an otherwise widespread and common species would be G5T1.   3.1 Florida Leafwing Butterfly (Anaea troglodyta  floridalis)    Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Larvae                                                                                                Adult Florida leafwing butterfly (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e.,  breeding period; blue) and larvae active periods (green) are shown in the chart (bottom). Darker shades  indicate peak active times (see Life Cycle for more). Photo credit: Mark and Holly Salvato. Map Source:  ecos.fws.gov, accessed March 2022.  Order: Lepidoptera Family: Nymphalidae Status: Federally listed as endangered Distribution: Florida Where it occurs: Subtropical pine savanna. This species historically occurred in the lower Florida Keys and the pine rocklands of southern Florida but is now restricted to the pine rocklands in and near Everglades National Park in the Long Pine Key region of Florida. How to recognize: The Florida leafwing butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly. Upper wings are red to reddish-brown. Undersides of the wings are grey or tan, and the butterfly resembles a dead leaf when at rest.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-4 Life cycle: This species is multivoltine and has multiple overlapping generations each year. May possibly enter diapause during dry months. Most abundant from late fall to early spring. Adults can be territorial. Habitat needs: Larvae are specialists on Croton linearis. Top reasons for decline, if known: Habitat loss; pesticides (mosquito control); alteration of natural disturbance regimes (i.e., fire suppression); habitat fragmentation. General conservation recommendations: Identify remnant pine rockland habitat along roadways to prioritize for protection/enhancement efforts. Prescribed fire in remnant pine rockland is necessary to maintain populations of the larval host plant, Croton linearis. Include Croton linearis in roadside plantings within the Florida leafwing butterfly’s range. Use integrated pest management to manage mosquitoes in Florida leafwing butterfly range. Potential impacts of roadside management: Reduce mowing frequency along the clear zone, because frequent mowing may reduce floral resources. Avoid spraying host plants and nectar plants (Table 3-2) with herbicide near known habitat. Table 3-2. Plants used by Florida leafwing butterfly. Species Name  Common name  Larval Host Plants  Croton linearis  Pineland croton1  Nectar Plants  Bidens alba  Spanish needles  Pinus elliottii  Slash pine2  Sideroxylon salicifolia  Willow bustic2  Lysiloma latisiliquum  False tamarind2  Lantana camara  Common lantana3  Malvastrum corchorifolium  False mallow  1 Resprouts after fire; fire enables this plant to persist in the landscape  2 Feeds on sap  3 Nonnative  3.1.1 References Possley, J., S. Hodges, E. Magnaghi, and J. Maschinski. 2016. “Distribution of Croton linearis in Miami-Dade County preserves with potential for supporting the federally endangered butterflies Strymon acis bartrami and Anaea troglodyta floridalis.” Natural Areas Journal 36:81–87.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-5 Salvato, M. H., and H. L. Salvato. 2010. “Notes on the status and ecology of Anaea troglodyta floridalis (Nymphalidae) in Everglades National Park.” Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 64:91–97. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Species Assessment and Listing Priority Assignment Form: Anaea troglodyta floridalis. Available: https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/candidate/ assessments/2010/r4/I087_I01.pdf. 3.2 Miami Blue Butterfly (Cyclargus (formerly  Hemiargus) thomasi bethunebakeri)    Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Larvae                                                                                                Adult Miami blue butterfly (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e., breeding  period; blue) and larvae active periods (green) are shown in the chart (bottom). Darker shades indicate  peak active times (see Life Cycle for more). Photo credit: USFWS. Map Source: ecos.fws.gov, accessed  March 2022.    Order: Lepidoptera Family: Lycaenidae Status: Federally listed as endangered Distribution: Florida Where it occurs: Bahia Honda Key and Key West National Wildlife Refuge. How to recognize: A small butterfly. Wings are bright blue on the upper sides and grayish on the undersides. Wings of the males are bright blue above, with a black border and white fringes. Females also have blue dorsal wings, with red and black eyespots. Life cycle: The Miami blue butterfly has multiple overlapping broods each year, and adults may be found throughout the year. However, the abundance of adults is lower in winter

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-6 (November through February), when most larvae are likely in diapause. Larvae of this species are often tended by ants, especially later instar larvae. This species is relatively sedentary. Data from mark-recapture experiments demonstrate that these butterflies have limited dispersal abilities. Habitat needs: This coastal species occurs around the edges of hardwood hammocks, tropical pinelands, and pine rocklands. This species is a generalist, using several species of plants as host plants and nectar sources. Nectar plants must be in close proximity to host plants, as this species is sedentary. Top reasons for decline, if known: Habitat loss. Current threats include climate change (especially increased severity and frequency of hurricanes); pesticide use, including pesticides used for mosquito control, may also play a role in current declines. General conservation recommendations: Limit spraying of pesticides for mosquito control in Miami blue butterfly habitat. Protect habitat from further loss and restore habitat wherever possible. Potential impacts of roadside management: Reduce mowing frequency along the clear zone, because frequent mowing may reduce floral resources. Avoid spraying host plants and nectar plants (Table 3-3) with herbicide near known habitat. Table 3-3. Plants used by Miami blue butterfly. Species Name  Common Name  Larval Host Plants  Pithecellobium spp.  Blackbeads1  Pithecellobium keyense  Florida Keys blackbead  Caesalpina spp.  Nickerbeans  Cardiospermum spp.  Baloonvines1, 2  Nectar Plants  Pithecellobium keyense  Florida Keys blackbead  Melanthera nivea  Snow squarestem  Lantana involucrata  Buttonsage  Heliotropium angiospermum  Scorpion tail  Alternanthera flavescens  Yellow joyweed  1 This genus includes native and nonnative species; some nonnatives may be invasive  2 Eats the seeds 

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-7 3.2.1 Additional Notes Three species of butterfly (nickerbean blue, cassius blue, and ceraunus blue) are listed as threatened under the ESA due to similarity of appearance to the Miami blue butterfly. Separate profiles are not provided for these three species, but key details about their life history are included in Table 3-4. Table 3-4. Life history traits of three butterflies listed as threatened under the ESA due to similarity of appearance to the Miami blue butterfly. Scientific  Name  Common  Name  Host Plants  Adult Flight  Times  Range  Cyclargus  ammon  Nickerbean  blue  Nickerbean  (Caesalpinia  bahamensis)  Year‐round  Big Pine Key, Florida  and West Indies  Hemiargus  ceraunus  antibubastus  Ceraunus blue  Variety of  Fabaceae,  including Abrus  precatorius and  Chamaecrista spp.  Year‐round  Throughout Florida  and southeastern  United States  Leptotes  cassius theonus  Cassius blue  Variety of plants in  the Fabaceae and  Plumbaginaceae  families  Year‐round  Southern  peninsular Florida  3.2.2 References Carroll, S. P., and J. Loye. 2006. “Invasion, Colonization, and Disturbance; Historical Ecology of the Endangered Miami Blue Butterfly.” Journal of Insect Conservation 10:13– 27. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2005. Species Assessment and Listing Priority Form for Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri, The Miami Blue Butterfly. Unpublished Document. March 2005.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-8 3.3 Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)  Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult  Larvae    Adult monarch (top left) and monarch distribution within the United States. (top right). Adult flight times  (i.e., breeding period; blue) and larvae active periods (green) for monarchs in this region are shown in the  chart (bottom). Adult and larval active times vary latitudinally; see Figure 3‐1 for suggested management  windows. Photo credit: Jennifer Hopwood.  Order: Lepidoptera Family: Nymphalidae Status: Candidate Distribution: As of 150 years ago, the monarch was restricted to southern Canada, the lower 48 states, Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. In recent years, the species has spread or been introduced to several other areas, including Spain, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. Where it occurs: Monarchs can be found in every county of Florida. In most of the state, monarchs are part of the eastern population of monarchs that migrates to central Mexico in fall. How to recognize: Orange and black monarchs are larger than most butterflies with similar coloration. In contrast to the species that most closely resembles monarchs— viceroys—monarchs lack the black line crossing the middle of each hind wing. Behaviorally, monarchs tend to glide more than most other butterfly species. They lack the steady, rapid wingbeat of the gulf fritillary (Agraulis vanillae), for instance.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-9 Life cycle: In northern and central Florida, they are most abundant during spring (March/April) and fall (late October/early November) migrations, but they maintain low-density breeding populations for much of the spring and summer, and there is evidence that some monarchs overwinter in northern and central Florida (Figure 3-1). When breeding, females lay eggs on host plants. They maintain a population year-round in southern Florida, particularly the Miami area. Habitat needs: Although monarchs tend to avoid dense hardwood forests, they use most terrestrial and wetland ecosystems in the state, as long as those ecosystems have milkweeds and some nectar sources. This includes roadsides: monarchs lay eggs on the multiple milkweed species (such as Asclepias tuberosa and A. tomentosa) that thrive on well-drained roadsides, as well as on milkweeds such as A. lanceolata and A. perennis that thrive in roadside ditches, marshes, and swamps. Top reasons for decline, if known: Loss and degradation of overwintering and breeding habitat; loss of habitat via conversion to row crop agriculture and urban development; use of herbicides that kill milkweeds and nectar sources; inadequate habitat management (not enough or too much disturbance, or disturbances poorly timed); use of insecticides that kill monarchs or cause negative but sublethal effects. General conservation recommendations: Giving the migratory nature of the eastern population of the monarch, its survival is dependent on actions throughout the range of the eastern population. In Florida, monarchs can be helped through planting of native milkweeds and nectar sources, control of invasive species, and implementation of proper habitat management practices, including well-timed prescribed burning and mowing. Potential impacts of roadside management: Frequent mowing will likely harm monarchs, especially if it occurs during their breeding season (March through September in most of the state, all year in far southern Florida). Frequent mowing will also harm the plants upon which they depend. Mowing in winter and mid-summer can help maintain open conditions needed for host plants and nectar sources to thrive. Table 3-5. Plants used by Monarch butterfly. Species Name  Common Name  Larval Host Plants  Asclepias humistrata  Pinewoods milkweed  Asclepias lanceolata  Fewflower milkweed  Asclepias perennis  Aquatic milkweed  Asclepias tomentosa  Tuba milkweed  Monarch butterfly larvae  Photo Credit: Ray Moranz/The Xerces  Society 

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-10 Species Name  Common Name  Asclepias tuberosa  Butterfly milkweed  Multiple other Asclepias spp.  Milkweeds  Pattalias palustre  Gulf coast swallowwort  Funastrum clausum  White twinevine  Nectar Plants  Asclepias spp.  Milkweeds  Carphephorus spp.  Deer tongues  Bidens alba  Spanish needles  Baccharis halimifolia  Eastern baccharis  Cephalanthus occidentalis  Buttonbush  Conoclinium coelestinum  Blue mistflower  Solidago sempervirens  Seaside goldenrod  Vernonia gigantea  Giant ironweed 

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-11 Taken from handout created by Monarch Joint Venture and The Xerces Society:  https://monarchjointventure.org/images/uploads/documents/MowingForMonarchsUpdated.pdf.   Figure 3-1. Management timing windows for monarchs in the United States. Roadside milkweed guides:  Milkweeds of Florida: https://xerces.org/publications/fact-sheets/roadside-habitat-for- monarchs-milkweeds-of-florida 3.3.1 References Dale A. Halbritter, Jaret C. Daniels, Douglas C. Whitaker, and Lei Huang. 2015. “Reducing Mowing Frequency Increases Floral Resource and Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) Abundance in Managed Roadside Margins.” Florida Entomologist 98(4):1081–1092. NatureServe. 2020. NatureServe Explorer (web application). NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available: https://explorer.natureserve.org/. Accessed: September 20, 2020. Xerces Society. 2016. Monarch nectar plants: Florida. Xerces Society, Portland, OR. Xerces Society and Monarch Joint Venture. 2019. Roadside habitat for monarchs: Milkweeds of Florida. Xerces Society, Portland, OR.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-12 3.4 Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly (Heraclides  aristodemus ponceanus)  Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult  Larvae    Adult Schaus swallowtail butterfly (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e.,  breeding period; blue) and larvae active periods (green) are shown in the chart (bottom). Active times of  larvae are not reported but likely bracket adult flight times; lighter shades indicate uncertain but likely  active times (see Life Cycle for more). Photo credit: Mark and Holly Salvato. Map Source: ecos.fws.gov,  accessed March 2022.  Order: Lepidoptera Family: Papilionidae Status: Federally listed as endangered Distribution: Florida Where it occurs: Subtropical dry forest. Now restricted to several islands in the Florida Keys. How to recognize: A large butterfly, with a wingspan that can be more than 5 inches across. Like other swallowtail butterflies, the Schaus swallowtail has two “tails,” one on each hind wing. The upper sides of the wings are brown with a yellow band and a row of yellow spots along the wing edge. Undersides of the wings are yellow with brown markings and a blue and reddish band on the hind wings. Life cycle: The Schaus butterfly is univoltine, producing one generation a year. Adults can be observed from April through July, corresponding to the start of the rainy season. Pupae may remain in diapause for more than a year if weather conditions are not favorable. Habitat needs: Hardwood hammock habitat. Key larval host plants are torchwood (Amyris elemifera) and wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara). Adults are generalists, using a wide range of nectar plants: over 100 species have been documented.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-13 Top reasons for decline, if known: Habitat loss; climate change (especially increased severity and frequency of hurricanes); invasive species (including predacious ants); pesticides, especially insecticides. General conservation recommendations: Protect habitat from further loss and degradation. Plant wild lime and sea torchwood in appropriate habitat, while maintaining a diversity of nectar plants. Potential impacts of roadside management: This species is known to occur on roadsides, and mortality from vehicle collisions may harm populations of this species. County Road 905 is noted as an area for concern. Frequent mowing may reduce floral resources. Table 3-6. Plants used by Schaus swallowtail butterfly. Species Name  Common Name  Larval Host Plants  Amyris elemifera  Torchwood  Zanthoxylum fagara  Wild lime  Nectar Plants  Morinda royoc  Cheese shrub  Stachytarpheta jamaicensis  Blue porterweed  Coccoloba uvifera  Sea grape  Lantana involucrata  Wild sage  Psychotria nervosa  Wild coffee  Psidium guajava  Guava1 1 Invasive  3.4.1 References Clayborn, J. T. 2017. Top-down and bottom-up approaches to understanding the fate of the federally endangered Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly (Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus). Ph.D., Florida International University. Clayborn, J., and S. Koptur. 2017. “Mortal combat between ants and caterpillars: an ominous threat to the endangered Schaus swallowtail butterfly (Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus) in the Florida Keys, USA.” Journal of Insect Conservation 21:689–702. Clayborn, J., S. Koptur, G. O’Brien, and K. R. T. Whelan. 2017. “The Schaus swallowtail habitat enhancement project: An applied service-learning project continuum from

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-14 Biscayne National Park to Miami-Dade County public schools.” Southeastern Naturalist 16:26–46. Daniels, J. C. 2011. Schaus Swallowtail, Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus (Schaus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). University of Florida/IFAS Extension. Document EENY-387. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. No date. Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly: Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus. 3.5 Bartram’s Scrub Hairstreak (Strymon acis bartrami)    Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Larvae                                                                                                Adult Bartram’s scrub hairstreak (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e.,  breeding period; blue) and larvae active periods (green) are shown in the chart (bottom). See Life Cycle for  more. Photo credit: Ken Kertell. Map Source: ecos.fws.gov, accessed March 2022.  Order: Lepidoptera Family: Lycaenidae Status: Federally listed as endangered Distribution: Florida Where it occurs: Pine rockland habitat in Long Pine Key and Big Pine Key, and in remaining forest fragments in Miami-Dade County. How to recognize: The Bartram’s scrub hairstreak is a smaller butterfly, about 1 inch in length. The undersides of its wings are gray with striking white and orange markings. Life cycle: This species is multivoltine. Adults may be found year-round. Habitat needs: Larvae are specialists on Croton linearis, while adults are generalists.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-15 Top reasons for decline, if known: Habitat loss; pesticides (mosquito control); alteration of natural disturbance regimes (i.e., fire suppression); habitat fragmentation. General conservation recommendations: Identify remnant pine rockland habitat along roadways to prioritize for protection/enhancement efforts. Prescribed fire in remnant pine rockland habitat is necessary to maintain populations of the larval host plant, Croton linearis; rotate burning around adjacent units so butterflies can easily recolonize burned units from adjacent unburned units. Include Croton linearis in roadside plantings within Bartram’s scrub hairstreak habitat. Use integrated pest management to manage mosquitos in this species’ range. Potential impacts of roadside management: Reduce mowing frequency along the clear zone, because frequent mowing may reduce floral resources. Avoid spraying host plants and nectar plants (Table 3-7) with herbicide near known habitat. Table 3-7. Plants used by Bartram’s scrub hairstreak butterfly. Species Name   Common Name  Notes   Larval Host Plants  Croton linearis  Pineland croton  Resprouts after fire; fire enables  this plant to persist in the  landscape  Nectar Plants  Croton linearis  Pineland croton  The host plant is also the most  frequently used nectar plant  Metastelma blodgettii  Bloggett’s swallowwort  Frequently used nectar plant  Rhynchospora floridensis  Florida whitetop  Frequently used nectar plant  Acacia pinetorum  Pine acacia     Bidens alba  Spanish needles    Serenoa repens  Saw palmetto     Lantana involucrata  Buttonsage     Spermacoce terminalis  Everglades Key false  buttonwood     Byrsonima lucida  Locustberry    3.5.1 References Possley, J., S. Hodges, E. Magnaghi, and J. Maschinski. 2016. “Distribution of Croton linearis in Miami-Dade County preserves with potential for supporting the federally

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-16 endangered butterflies Strymon acis bartrami and Anaea troglodyta floridalis.” Natural Areas Journal 36:81–87. Salvato, M. H., and H. L. Salvato. 2010. “Notes on the status and ecology of Strymon acis bartrami (Lycaenidae) in Everglades National Park.” Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 64:154–160. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Florida Leafwing and Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak Butterflies; Final Rule. Federal Register 79(155):47222-47244. 3.6 Arogos Skipper (Atrytone arogos)    Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Larvae                                                                                                Adult Arogos skipper (top left) and known state‐level distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e.,  breeding period; blue) and larvae active periods (green) for this region are shown in the chart (bottom).  Lighter shades indicate uncertain but likely active times (see Life Cycle for more). Photo credit: Mike  Zapata/Bugwood.org.    Order: Lepidoptera Family: Hesperiidae Status: Imperiled to vulnerable (G2G3). The arogos skipper has suffered massive declines in abundance since the 1800s and seems to be extirpated or very sparse throughout its range except for in Oklahoma, where this species has been reported in dozens of counties since the year 2000. Where it occurs: This species occurs in undisturbed prairies and grasslands. How to recognize: Skippers tend to be small butterflies. Their ventral surfaces are yellow- orange, and the wing veins are often paler than the wing membranes. The fringe (long, narrow scales at the outside edges of the wings) are often white. Males and females both have broad, dark margins on the ventral surfaces of the wings. Possible observations should be documented with photos sent to experts for assistance with identification. It may be most easily confused with the more common Delaware skipper (Anatrytone logan). Life cycle: Adult flight times vary regionally for this species. In Florida, adult flight time occurs from March through November. Fourth-stage caterpillars hibernate, complete their

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-17 feeding the next spring, and then pupate in a leaf cocoon in vegetation about 3 feet above the ground. Habitat needs: Remnant native grasslands or savannas. In Florida, it is often found in savannas on dry sand ridges dominated by Sorghastrum secundum. The presence of nectar sources is important as well, as is an appropriate amount of disturbance. This species can be extirpated from sites by mowing (especially if grasses are not allowed to seed), wildfires, or prescribed burns, and seems to do poorly with fire return intervals of 2 years or less. Top reasons for decline, if known: It is unclear, but loss of high-quality remnant grasslands and pine savannas is a likely reason, as are inappropriate fire regimes. Populations have been extirpated by prescribed fires as well as wildfires. General conservation recommendations: Protect remnant grasslands from conversion to other land uses. Restore native grasslands and savannas where possible. Manage habitat with fire or mowing, but these should be used infrequently (once every 2 to 5 years at the most) to keep this species from being extirpated by fire or mowing. Roadside management recommendations: In places where populations of this species overlap with roadsides, reducing mowing frequency beyond the clear zone to once or twice a year should reduce mortality due to mowing and should help host plants and nectar sources remain abundant. Because this species pupates high in the plant canopy (approximately 3 feet), changing mower heights will not reduce mortality, as for other skippers that spend most time at the base of grasses. Avoid spraying herbicides on important nectar plants (Table 3-8). Table 3-8. Plants used by Arogos skipper. Species Name   Common Name  Larval Host Plants  Sorghastrum secundum  Lopsided Indiangrass  Ctenium aromaticum  Toothache grass  Nectar Plants  Cirsium horridulum  Purple thistle  Lachnanthes caroliniana  redroot  3.6.1 References Minno, M.C., and M. Minno. 2006. Conservation of the Arogos Skipper, Atrytone arogos arogos (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in Florida. p. 219-222. In R.F. Noss (ed.) Land of Fire and Water: The Florida Dry Prairie Ecosystem. Proc. Florida Dry Prairie Conf., Sebring, FL. October 5–7, 2006. Available: www.ces.fau.edu/fdpc/proceedings/3- 17145_p.21924_Min_FDPC_d.pdf.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-18 NatureServe. 2020. NatureServe Explorer (web application). NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available: https://explorer.natureserve.org/. Accessed: October 4, 2020. 3.7 Bumble Bees: Southern Plains Bumble Bee (Bombus  fraternus) and American Bumble Bee (B. pensylvanicus)  Order: Hymenoptera Family: Apidae Habitat Needs: Availability of food and nesting resources are key features in determining the success of a bumble bee colony. It is critical to maintain a bloom of floral resources throughout spring, summer, and fall to supply bumble bees with a diversity and abundance of pollen and nectar, food for adults and larvae. Bumble bees nest above, on, or under the ground, utilizing pre-existing insulated cavities such as rock piles, areas of dense vegetation (e.g., bunch grasses), or old bird nests or mouse burrows. See Table 3-9 for a list of plants used by bumble bees. Top reasons for decline, if known: There are multiple factors affecting bumble bee decline including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, pathogens, and parasites, as well as the introduction of nonnative bee species. General conservation recommendations: Preserve, restore, and create high-quality habitat that includes suitable nesting, foraging, and overwintering sites throughout a species’ range. Assess and mitigate risk of pesticide use in or near suitable habitat to avoid treating flowers in bloom or contaminating nesting and overwintering sites. Avoid the introduction of managed honey bees and managed bumble bees to areas of natural habitat to protect and minimize disease exposure. Roadside management recommendations: Intensive mowing may deplete floral resources and potentially disturb species that have nested above ground in the roadside. Reduced mowing frequency would alleviate this problem. In areas with above-ground nesting species, avoid mowing during the nesting season to avoid harming nests. Use a diversity of plants in revegetation to ensure multiple species are in bloom from spring through fall. Blanket spraying of herbicides can affect the health of bumble bees in the area by reducing floral resources. A recent study of roadside mortality of bumble bee queens in Sweden found that bumble bee queens used roadsides with both high plant diversity and low plant diversity in similar proportions when looking for nests. Queen mortality increased with traffic volume but was slightly lower along roadsides with higher quality vegetation. The authors recommend improving habitat quality along roadsides, and keeping a mown buffer strip next to the road to reduce queen mortality.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-19 3.7.1 Southern Plains Bumble Bee (Bombus fraternus)   Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Adult Southern Plains bumble bee (top left) and known U.S. state‐level distribution (top right). Adult flight  times (i.e., breeding period) are shown in the chart (bottom). Photo credit: Katie Lamke/The Xerces  Society.    Status: Imperiled to apparently secure (G2G4); International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List: Endangered Distribution: Central Great Plains to southeastern United States Where it occurs: Grassland, urban Flight Time: This is an early-emerging species, with queens becoming active on the landscape in February and March in the southern states. This species will remain on the landscape through October. Between November and March, queens are overwintering in the ground. Nesting behavior: Nests underground. How to recognize: This bumble bee has black hair of the face and a predominantly yellow thorax with a narrow black oval between the wings. The first two segments of the abdomen are yellow and segments three through six are black, with hair lying flat. Males may have different color patterns. Body size: Large. Queens range from 25 to 27 millimeters (0.97 to 1.07 inches) and workers range from 15 to 19 millimeters (0.56 to 0.75 inch).

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-20 3.7.2 American Bumble Bee (Bombus pensylvanicus)   Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Adult American bumble bee (top left) and known U.S. state‐level distribution (top right). Adult flight times  (i.e., breeding period) are shown in the chart (bottom). Photo credit: Ray Moranz/The Xerces Society.    Status: Vulnerable to apparently secure (G3G4); under review for listing under the ESA Distribution: Widespread in the United States; absent in much of the mountain West. Where it occurs: Grassland, urban Flight Time: This species is typically active on the landscape late March through October. Between late November and early March, queens are overwintering in the ground. Nesting behavior: Nests mostly on the surface amid long grass; occasionally nests underground. How to recognize: This bumble bee has black hair on the face. The thorax has a yellow band in front of the wings, with a black band between the wings; the band behind the wings may be black or yellow. The abdomen’s interior half is yellow and the posterior half is black (the first segment is sometimes black or half black). Males may have different color patterns. Body size: Large. Queens range from 22 to 26 millimeters (0.87 to 1.01 inches) and workers range from 13 to 19 millimeters (0.52 to 0.76 inch).

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-21 Table 3-9. Plants used by bumble bees. Species Name by Bloom  Period  Common Name  Notes   Early  Baptisia alba  White wild indigo  White; perennial  Monarda punctata  Spotted bee balm  Pink/purple; perennial  Penstemon multiflorus  Manyflower beardtongue  White; perennial  Tradescantia ohiensis  Spiderwort/bluejacket  Purple; perennial  Mid  Asclepias tuberosa  Butterfly milkweed  Orange; perennial  Eryngium yuccifolium  Rattlesnake master  White; perennial  Eutrochium fistulosum  Joe Pye weed  Pink; perennial  Hibiscus moscheutos  Crimsoneyed rosemallow  White/pink/red; perennial  Late  Cirsium altissimum  Tall thistle  Pink/purple; biennial  Salvia azurea  Azure blue sage/pitcher  sage  Blue; perennial  Solidago sempervirens  Seaside goldenrod  Yellow; perennial  Verbesina alternifolia  Wingstem/yellow  ironweed  Yellow; perennial  3.7.3 References Dániel-Ferreira, J., Å. Berggren, R. Bommarco, J. Wissman, and E. Öckinger. 2022. Bumblebee queen mortality along roads increase with traffic. Biological conservation 272:109643. Hatfield, R., S. Jepsen, E. Mader, S. H. Black, and M. Shepherd. 2012. Conserving bumble bees. Guidelines for Creating and Managing Habitat for America's Declining Pollinators. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Portland, OR. Williams, P. H., R. W. Thorp, L. L. Richardson, and S. R. Colla. 2014. Bumble Bees of North America: An Identification Guide. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. doi:10.2307/j.ctt6wpzr9.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-22 3.8 Frosted Elfin Butterfly (Callophrys irus)    Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Larvae                                                                                                Adult frosted elfin butterfly (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e., breeding  period; blue) and larvae active periods (green) for this this region are shown in the chart (bottom). See Life  Cycle for more. Photo credit: Tom Murray/Flickr Creative Commons. Map Source: ecos.fws.gov, accessed  March 2022.    Order: Lepidoptera Family: Lycaenidae Status: Imperiled to vulnerable (G2G3). Very rare in most of the states where it was historically found, and continuing to decline recently in most states. This species was petitioned for listing under the ESA but was not listed. Distribution: The historic range was from Texas east to Florida and north to Ontario and Maine. However, it is believed to have been extirpated from Illinois, Maine, and Ontario. Currently known to occur in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Where it occurs: In Florida, it occurs only in the northernmost part of the state, in xeric pine sandhills where the host plant is present. Elsewhere, it occurs in open areas (savannas, woodlands, power line rights-of-way), but only when the host plant is also present. How to recognize: Small, brown butterfly with intricate patterns similar to those of congeners such as the Henry’s elfin, but distinguished from them by a small, dark spot on the ventral surface near the forewing apex. Life cycle: A single brood per year, with adults flying from February through April. Females lay eggs on the flowers and flower buds of host plants, and larvae eat those plant parts. Larvae take about 5 to 6 weeks to reach the pupal stage, which is spent under litter or just below the soil surface until emerging as adults the next spring.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-23 Habitat needs: In Florida, appears to require pine savannahs with large populations of their host plant, Lupinus perennis, but population density is highest when Lupinus perennis population density is moderate. Top reasons for decline, if known: Loss of habitat due to conversion of native ecosystems to urban and suburban development, row crop agriculture, and intensive forestry. Altered fire regimes are also believed to be a major cause of decline. General conservation recommendations: Protect existing sites with habitat from conversion to other land uses. Implement good habitat management practices, including occasional well-timed prescribed burning or mowing, to keep habitat open. Leave some habitat strips beyond the clear zone that are mowed less frequently than the clear zone to provide habitat for this species. Protect habitat from insecticides and broadcast spraying of herbicides. Roadside management recommendations: Frequent mowing will likely harm frosted elfins and the plants upon which they depend; however, occasional mowing can help maintain open conditions needed for host plants and nectar sources to thrive. Reduce mowing frequency beyond the clear zone and try to avoid mowing near frosted elfin habitat in February through July when adults and larvae are active. If mowing must occur during this time, avoid mowing sundial lupine plants. When mowing at other times of year, setting mowing height to approximately 4 inches will avoid damaging pupae at the soil surface. Avoid spraying host plants and nectar plants (Table 3-10) with herbicides. Table 3-10. Plants used by frosted elfin butterfly. Species Name  Common Name  Larval Host Plants  Lupinus perennis  Sundial lupine  Nectar Plants  Lupinus perennis  Sundial lupine  Viola spp.  Violets  Pycnanthemum spp.  Mountain mints  Vaccinium spp.  Blueberries  Rubus spp.  Blackberries1  Gaylussacia spp.  Huckleberries  1 This genus includes native and nonnative species; some of the nonnative species are invasive.  3.8.1 References NatureServe. 2020. NatureServe Explorer (web application). NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available: https://explorer.natureserve.org/. Accessed: September 3, 2020.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-24 Thom, M. D., and J. D. Daniels. 2017. “Patterns of microhabitat and larval host-plant use by an imperiled butterfly in northern Florida.” Journal of Insect Conservation 21:39– 52. Thom, M. D., J. D. Daniels, L. N. Kobziar, and J. R. Colburn. 2015. “Can butterflies evade fire? Pupa location and heat tolerance in fire prone habitats of Florida.” PLOS ONE 10(5):1–22. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018. Species status assessment report for the frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), Version 1.2. April 2018. Cortland, NY. 3.9 Dukes’ Skipper (Euphyes dukesi calhouni)  Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult  Larvae    Adult Dukes’ skipper (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e., breeding period;  blue) and larvae active periods (green) are shown in the chart (bottom). Lighter shades indicate uncertain  but likely active times. There is very little known about this species life history, including active larval times  (see Life Cycle for more). Photo credit: Mark and Holly Salvato. Map Source: ecos.fws.gov, accessed March  2022.  Order: Lepidoptera Family: Hesperiidae Status: Vulnerable to apparently secure, taxon critically imperiled (G3G4T1); under review for listing under the ESA Distribution: Florida Where it occurs: Found in swamps in patches of sedges in the northern Florida peninsula. How to recognize: A small butterfly with very dark brown, almost black wings. Upper sides of the wings have olive-brown hairs near the wing base. Undersides of the hindwings are lighter brown with a diffuse yellowish stripe.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-25 Life cycle: This species has two broods per year, with adult flight times usually occurring from early May through mid-June and mid-September through mid-October. Habitat needs: This species prefers clearings in swamps where host plants (sedges) form dense stands. Top reasons for decline, if known: Habitat loss and fragmentation; pesticides. General conservation recommendations: Protect habitat and prevent further habitat loss and fragmentation. Maintain natural drainage processes that maintain the habitat for this species. Management of habitat around ditches and stormwater ponds near this species’ habitat should be timed to avoid disturbance during adult flight times (May through mid- June and mid-September through mid-October). Potential impacts of roadside management: Road construction can destroy or fragment habitat and change natural drainage patterns. Table 3-11. Plants observed to be used by Euphyes dukesi calhouni. Species Name  Common Name  Larval Host Plants  Rhynchospora inundata  Narrowfruit horned beaksedge1  Rhynchospora miliacea  Millet beaksedge  Carex spp.  Sedges2  Nectar Plants  Pontederia cordata  Pickerelweed  Polygonum punctatum  Dotted smartweed  Cephalanthus occidentalis  Common buttonbush  Cirsium spp.  Thistles2  Bidens alba  Romerillo  1 Probably the primary host plant  2 This genus includes native and nonnative species; some of the nonnative species are invasive  3.9.1 References Calhoun, J. V. 1995. “The biogeography and ecology of Euphyes dukesi (Hesperiidae) in Florida.” Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society. 29(1):6–23. Center for Biological Diversity. 2010. Petition to list 404 aquatic, riparian and wetlands species from the Southeastern United States as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-26 Shuey, J. A. 1996. “Another new Euphyes from the southern United States coastal plain (Hesperiidae).” Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society. 50(1):46–53. 3.10 Palatka Skipper (Euphyes pilatka klotsi)    Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Larvae                                                                                                Adult Palatka skipper (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e., breeding period;  blue) and larvae active periods (green) are shown in the chart (bottom). Lighter shades indicate uncertain  but likely active times. There is very little known about this species life history, including active larval times  (see Life Cycle for more). Photo credit: Mark and Holly Salvato. Map Source: ecos.fws.gov, accessed March  2022.    Order: Lepidoptera Family: Hesperiidae Status: Vulnerable, taxon imperiled (G3T2); under review for listing under the ESA Distribution: Florida Where it occurs: This species is restricted to a small area in the Florida Keys, including Big Pine, Big Torch, Cudjoe, No Name, Sugarloaf, and Stock Island. How to recognize: These skippers are less than 1 inch long. Undersides of the wings are a uniform light brown. Upper sides of the wings are orangish with dark brown along the edges. Life cycle: Biennial. Adult flight times are known from December through May and September through October. Larvae form a tent out of blades of sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), the host plant. Much is still not known about this species, including preferred nectar plants and detailed life history. Habitat needs: This species is found in tropical pinelands and sawgrass marshes found on the edges of mangroves that have sawgrass.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-27 Top reasons for decline, if known: Habitat loss from development; changes to water flow and loss of disturbance (fire) that leads to succession. General conservation recommendations: Protect and restore habitat. Very little information for this species is available. Research on basic life history and responses to habitat management and restoration are needed. Potential impacts of roadside management: More research is needed to determine how roadside management affects this species. Frequent mowing will reduce floral resources. Revegetation of roadside habitat in this species’ range may help increase connectivity. Table 3-12. Plants observed to be used by Palatka skipper. Species Name  Common Name  Notes   Larval Host Plants  Cladium jamaicense  Sawgrass    Nectar Plants  Flaveria linearis  Narrowleaf yellowtops  Confirmed nectar plant  Conocarpus erectus  Buttonwoods  Often seen perching on this species;  likely nectar plant  Metopium toxiferum  Poisonwood  Likely nectar plant  Coccoloba uvifera  Seagrape   Likely nectar plant  Pithecellobium keyense  Florida Keys blackbead  Likely nectar plant  3.10.1 References Center for Biological Diversity. 2010. Petition to list 404 aquatic, riparian and wetlands species from the Southeastern United States as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Keysmoths.com. No date. “Euphyes pilatka klotsi, Palatka Skipper.” "Available: https://www.keysmoths.com/euphyes-pilatka-klotsi-palatka-skip/. Lee D. Miller, Donald J. Harvey, and Jacqueline Y. Miller. 1985. Notes on the genus Euphyes with description of a new subspecies (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). The Florida Entomologist 68:323–335. NatureServe. 2020. NatureServe Explorer (web application). NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available: https://explorer.natureserve.org/. Accessed: September 20, 2020.

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-28 3.11 Gulf Coast Solitary Bee (Hesperapis oraria)    Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Adult Gulf Coast solitary bee (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e., breeding  period) are shown in the chart (bottom). Photo credit: Sherri Lynch. Map Source: ecos.fws.gov, accessed  March 2022.    Order: Hymenoptera Family: Melittidae Status: Critically imperiled to imperiled (G1G2); under review for listing under the ESA Distribution: Alabama, Florida, Mississippi Where it occurs: This is the only member of the genus Hesperapis known to occur east of the Mississippi River. It is found in dune fields on barrier islands and in coastal margins in the Gulf of Mexico. How to recognize: These bees are 8 to 13 millimeters in length; males are smaller than females. This bee has a dark, almond-shaped abdomen with five horizontal light stripes. The head is shiny black and the compound eyes are an iridescent green. Life cycle: This species appears to be monolectic on the coastalplain honeycombhead (Balduina angustifolia) for pollen and nectar, meaning it only uses this one plant species. Adults are active from late September through early October when the host plant is blooming. This is a solitary, ground-nesting bee. Males sleep in the flowers of B. angustifolia (females sleep in the nest). Habitat needs: This bee species is only found in open, sandy coastal habitat where the host plant is abundant. The host plant grows in deep sand ridges along rivers and in coastal sand dunes. In a study of H. oraria and B. angustifolia distributions, H. oraria was most common in areas with at least 12 patches of B. angustifolia and in areas with large patches of B. angustifolia. Habitat between 110 and 475 meters from the coast may be ideal for this species. Top reasons for decline, if known: Habitat loss; pesticides; climate change (sea level rise, increased storm frequency).

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-29 General conservation recommendations: Protect habitat and enhance availability of the host plant. Increase habitat connectivity in fragmented habitat. Increase abundance of host plant. Roadside management recommendations: Soil compaction may disrupt nests. Frequent mowing may reduce pollen and nectar sources for this bee, so mowing frequency should be reduced beyond the clear zone in areas where this species occurs. Avoid mowing while adults are active (September through October), especially in areas with the host plant. Avoid spraying herbicide on B. angustifolia in areas where this species occurs and include B. angustifolia in revegetation projects in this species’ range. 3.11.1 References Cane, J. H. 1997. “Violent weather and bees: populations of the Barrier Island endemic, Hesperapis oraria.” Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 70:73–75. Cane, J. H., R. R. Snelling, and L. J. Kervin. 1996. “A new monolectic coastal bee, Hesperapis oraria Snelling and Stage (Hymenoptera: Melittidae), with a review of desert and neotropical disjunctives in the Southeastern U.S.” Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 69:238–247. Center for Biological Diversity. 2019. Petition to list the Gulf Coast solitary bee (Hesperapis oraria) under the Endangered Species Act and concurrently designate critical habitat. Davis, H. K., D. L. Miller, and M. Thetford. 2020. “Habitat suitability of an at-risk, monolectic, ground-nesting bee Hesperapis oraria and its floral host Balduina angustifolia at two spatial scales along the Northern Gulf of Mexico.” Journal of insect Conservation 24:561–573. 3.12 Blue Calamintha Bee (Osmia calaminthae)    Jan  Feb  Mar  April  May  June  July  Aug  Sept  Oct  Nov  Dec  Adult                                                                                                Adult blue calamintha bee (top left) and known distribution (top right). Adult flight times (i.e., breeding  period) are shown in the chart (bottom). Photo credit: Jaret Daniels, Ph.D., Florida Museum of Natural  History.    Order: Hymenoptera Family: Megachilidae

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles  3-30 Status: Critically imperiled (G1); under review for listing under the ESA Distribution: Florida Where it occurs: This species’ range is currently known to extend from Highlands County, Florida at the southern end of Lake Wales Ridge, north to the Ocala National Forest. Many endemic species occur in this area. How to recognize: These bees are approximately 10 to 11 millimeters in length. They are metallic blue with white stripes on the abdomen. Life cycle: This species is a specialist on Ashe’s calamint (Calamintha ashei), which it uses for nectar and pollen. Calamintha ashei is on Florida’s list of threatened plant species. This species will also use false rosemary (Conradina brevifolia) earlier in the year before Ashe’s calamint blooms from mid-March through mid-April. The blue calamintha bee is part of the group of bees known as mason bees. This species nests in the ground. Habitat needs: Florida scrub habitat in Lake Wales Ridge. This species is dependent upon Calamintha ashei, which is a habitat specialist in Lake Wales Ridge. Calamintha ashei seems to prefer bare patches of sand found in between scrub rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) plants. Top reasons for decline, if known: This species was discovered relatively recently (2002), so long-term population trends for this species are unknown. However, current threats include pesticides and habitat loss. General conservation recommendations: More research is needed to understand the biology of this species, including habitat associations and distribution, and to track changes in population over time. Protection of this species’ habitat, including the host plant, is important for conservation of this species. Roadside management recommendations: Habitat fragmentation caused by new road construction may negatively affect this species. Actions taken to protect the state-listed as threatened C. ashei should also benefit O. calaminthae. Table 3-13. Plants observed to be used by Osmia calaminthae. Species Name  Common Name  Notes   Calamintha ashei  Ashe’s calamint   The primary pollen and nectar plant, listed as  threatened in Florida  Conradina brevifolia  False rosemary  Endangered under ESA; blue calamintha bee has  been observed using this plant early in the season  before C. ashei blooms  Ceratiola ericoides  Scrub rosemary  Not a known pollen or nectar source, but a known  associate of C. ashei, the primary pollen and  nectar plant 

Chapter 3. Imperiled Pollinator Profiles 3-31 3.12.1 References Defenders of Wildlife. 2015. Petition to list the blue calamintha bee (Osmia calaminthae) as an endangered, or alternatively as a threatened, species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act and for the designation of critical habitat for this species. Rightmyer, M. G., M. Deyrup, J. S. Ascher, and T. Griswold. 2011. “Osmia species (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae) from the southeastern United States with modified facial hairs: taxonomy, host plants, and conservation status.” ZooKeys:257–278. Van Hoose, Natalie. 2021. “Scientists discover nest, new northern range of Florida’s rare blue calamintha bee.” Florida Museum of Natural History. Available: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/discover-nest-northern-range-blue- calamintha-bee/.