Minnesota Zoo conservation biologists recorded that female Poweshiek skipperlings in Zoo care are starting to breed and lay eggs!
The Minnesota Zoo has some BIG NEWS about a tiny, yet critical Minnesota species. And it wouldn't be possible without the amazing community support from people like you, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, our partners at the John Ball Zoo and Assiniboine Park Zoo, and the dedicated staff at the Minnesota Zoo and Minnesota Zoo Foundation working to save wildlife.
Earlier this summer, Minnesota Zoo conservation biologists recorded successful breeding and egg laying of a female Poweshiek skipperling, a prairie butterfly. It's very likely that this species hasn't bred in our state for years—until now. In the weeks following, there were eight more recorded breedings.
This is huge! Poweshiek skipperlings haven't been found in Minnesota for the last 15 years. But not so long ago, they were one of the most common butterflies in our state. This breeding success brings us that much closer to a future where Poweshieks thrive and contribute to our ecosystems once again.
The Poweshiek skipperling, a prairie butterfly, which is now breeding in Minnesota again.
Minnesota Zoo biologists developed the rearing (breeding and raising) protocols for this species and have been refining it over the years. They're thrilled to see it paying off with successful breeding. Us too!
The support from planned giving donors in our Circle of Life Society is helping the Zoo accomplish big things that are helping some of our world’s smallest animals like the Poweshiek skipperling. Thank you for your dedication to saving wildlife.
Contact Amalie Frankel at 651.539.6518 or Amalie.Frankel@mnzoo.org to learn more about making a difference for wildlife and promoting exciting projects like this one.