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Aug 15, 2018Keywords:
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Field work undertaken during 2017–2018 on the Critically Endangered moth Callioratis millari (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Diptychinae)
Abstract
Thirty-seven species of nectar-producing flowering plants were recorded in grassland at Entumeni Nature Reserve (ENR) during the normal flight period of Callioratis millari. This suggests no shortage of nectar for the adult C. millari. Eggs and larvae on grass cycads Stangeria eriopus at the ENR monitoring site and at the nearby Dreadnaught Peak Farm (DPF) were counted in May 2017, with the ENR yielding a satisfactory count since 2005, but DPF recording only one egg counted after a fire. In 2018 ENR recorded 26 eggs, whilst DPF had no eggs. The S. eriopus cycads established in a new grassland area at ENR had become overgrown by adjacent vegetation and no eggs or larvae were found. Pre-burn inspections were conducted at ENR and two distinct burning periods, one in mid-winter and the other in late winter are recommended to prevent dominance of certain indigenous grass species, encroaching indigenous shrubs and alien invasive plants. Further knowledge of the life history and ecology of C. millari is required to inform better monitoring techniques and optimal management of its habitat.
