Effects of temperature and humidity on eclosion timing and adult activity of the endangered butterfly Taylor's checkerspot, Euphydryas editha taylori (W.H Edwards)

Taylor’s checkerspot (Euphydryas editha) is an endangered butterfly native to the Pacific Northwest. Since 2023, collaborative conservation efforts have focused on rearing and releasing this species at a restoration site near Corvallis, Oregon. Larvae and pupae from the captive rearing program are introduced into the field under netted enclosures, where they are monitored for adult eclosion. Emerged adults are then marked and released, with resighting data serving as a key metric for evaluating establishment success. In this study, we integrated larval and pupal release data, adult resighting records, and local weather variables to develop a predictive model of adult eclosion timing and activity
duration. This model provides a practical tool for optimizing volunteer engagement and improving the timing of monitoring efforts. It also offers a more refined metric for evaluating the effectiveness of reintroduction strategies in endangered butterfly conservation.