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Published on: February 11, 2020
Delayed population explosion of an introduced butterfly
Carol L Boggs1, Cheryl E Holdren, Ipek G Kulahci
1Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Crested Butte, CO, USA. cboggs@stanford.edu
The Journal of Animal Ecology
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Introduced Euphydryas gillettii populations can exhibit lagged expansions, with a Colorado population showing a surge and contraction. This metapopulation dynamic may lead to satellite populations and punctuated range growth.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Invasive Species Biology
- Population Dynamics
Background:
- Lagged population and range expansions in introduced species are poorly understood.
- Detailed case studies on introduced species dynamics are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the 29-year population dynamics and structure of an introduced Euphydryas gillettii population.
- To investigate the causes of lagged expansions in introduced species.
Main Methods:
- Long-term monitoring of population size and habitat use.
- Analysis of population structure and spatial distribution over 29 years.
- Assessment of metapopulation dynamics and habitat patch occupancy.
Main Results:
- The introduced Euphydryas gillettii population remained small and localized for 21 years.
- A dramatic population surge and range expansion occurred by 2002, followed by a contraction to three core habitat patches.
- Independent population dynamics within patches suggested metapopulation behavior.
Conclusions:
- The observed surge and contraction pattern, characteristic of metapopulations, can lead to lagged or punctuated expansions.
- Establishment of satellite populations is a potential outcome of this dynamic.
- Habitat structure may influence the success of lagged expansions in introduced species.
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