Photo © Mike Reese
While this species isn't considered endangered or threatened federally, it is extremely rare to find in Illinois. The reason for this is a lack of its host plant, Cirsium muticum, which has been found in few places, but is mostly sequestered to the northeastern part of the state (Endangered Species Protection Board 2016). Because of its endangered status in the state of Illinois, it is prohibited to collect it for insect collections or any other reason without a special scientific permit from the state (Can I Keep It? 2009).
Because it relies heavily on wetland species of plants, there are very few places for it to live and thrive. That said, there are areas that are protected for it to live, such as the Nelson Lake Marsh in Kane County.
What can you do??
Here are workdays for conservation of Kane County forest preserves and wetlands in 2016.
Discussion time!! Comment with your thoughts!
Do you think the restrictions on collections of C. muticum are fair, considering it isn't listed as an endangered species federally? What do you think can be done to prevent further habitat loss? Do you think this is a fair assessment -- have you seen this species close to where you live?
If you have, I'd love to source some workdays for those areas too!
REFERENCES
United States Of America, Department of Natural Resources. (2009). Can I Keep It? (p. 20). Outdoor Illinois.
Endangered Species Protection Board. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/ESPB/Pages/default.aspx
Nyboer, R.W., J.R. Herkert, and J.E. Ebinger, editors. 2006.
Endangered and Threatened Species of Illinois: Status and Distribution, Volume 2 - Animals.
Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, Springfield, Illinois. 181 pp.
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