D3253: Survey for Papaipema eryngii at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Insects are experiencing significant declines globally due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. We conducted a survey for the Rattlesnake-Master Borer Moth (Papaipema eryngii) at Fort Leonard Wood, a 25,278-ha military installation, in Missouri. Papaipema eryngii inhabits prairies, barrens, savannas, and woodland openings where rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) occurs, which is the only known host plant for the moth. While a species status assessment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2020 did not warrant P. eryngii to be listed as endangered, habitats with known populations must be properly managed for the species to persist due to its sensitivity to certain practices, such as prescribed fires. We conducted plant surveys in 2019 to identify locations with the host plant. Larval surveys were conducted at two target locations in May and June of 2021 by examining host plants for evidence of boring activity and Papaipema eryngii was found at one location. We marked and counted all plants that showed P. eryngii caterpillar activity with a total of 57 plants identified. One caterpillar was reared in captivity to confirm species identification. These results confirm a new population of Papaipema eryngii in Missouri and will allow the Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division at Fort Leonard Wood to make informed habitat management decisions to preserve the population.