Insects on Platte thistle (Cirsium canescens) in cen...

The aim of this project is to enumerate the diversity of insects and spiders using Platte thistle, Cirsium canescens, at the western edge of the plant's natural distribution, the Rocky Mt. region in central Colorado. Insects affect the success of this long-lived, monocarpic native plant, both positively (pollination) and negatively (herbivory, especially floral herbivory). This project fills a gap in our knowledge of these interactions. It will contribute our understanding of Colorado natural history, and it will also provide baseline data for evaluation of the effects of long-term global climate change. Contributions of naturalists in this region is desired and welcomed! Please join our project and help document the insect-plant interactions of this relatively sparse native plant in montane central Colorado. less ↑