Butterfly community temporal trends and responses to resource availability along a hydrologic gradient of montane meadows

摘要: Butterfly species have proven to be useful indicators of environmental change in many ecosystems. Their tight association with plant communities and their sensitivity microclimates can provide insight regarding changes landscape or vegetative composition. Here we report on a study within two regions the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (Gallatin Teton) where butterflies been surveyed montane meadows along hydrological gradient since 1997. These data show that different butterfly are specific particular meadow types based upon levels moisture availability. We found type was significant explaining community associations both regions. This relationship is also stable over time (1997-2007), consistently indicative types. Six Gallatin region eight Teton were identified as significantly associated time. The temporal trends, however, differed between meadows, which much smaller than shifted away from composition Region towards more unique community. did not move any common trajectory. significance Region’s trends suggests all responding similarly variables driving shift. information valuable tool for conservation could