Student Poster Display
Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity
Student
Student Competition
April Jacqueline LeBaron
Graduate research assistant
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
Thomas Weissling
Associate Professor
University of Nebraska
Waverly, Nebraska
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants are frequently highlighted because they are the host plant for an iconic insect species, the monarchs (Danaus plexippus). However, Asclepias are also host plants for other insects. This plant genus harbors a diverse community of arthropod visitors. To understand more about Tetraopes spp. (an insect genus that specializes on milkweed) and other milkweed visitors in Nebraska, surveys were conducted in counties across the state from 2015 to 2021. Surveys were conducted opportunistically during the milkweed growing season. Roadside surveys were used to detect milkweed plants. Once detected, plants were identified to the species level and the number of plants for each species was recorded. Milkweed plants were thoroughly examined for insect visitors and their identities (the lowest taxonomic level possible with field identifications) were recorded. The number of each Tetraopes spp. was noted. All parts of the plant aside from the roots were examined for insects. Surveys occurred during multiple stages of the milkweed lifecycle. More than 35,000 plants were examined, and more than 7,000 insects were encountered. Insect communities for each milkweed species were described. Monarchs accounted for 270 of the insect encounters, a small fraction of the encounters. Results bring attention to the other insects that utilize milkweed. Conservation doesn’t help individual species. When working to conserve monarchs, numerous species get to utilize the milkweeds planted for them.