Those of us along the east coast of FL, GA and SC may already be familiar with the blight affecting the Red Bay and Sassafras trees; they are succumbing to an untreatable fungal disease that is being spread by the Asian Ambrosia Beetle. I received an email today with some disturbing news concerning the relationship of the dying trees and our butterfly population.
Some excerpts for the message:
"Persea (Red Bay) and Sassafras, as well as other Lauraceace, are the only larval hosts for several of our most abundant, most beautiful and most recognizable swallowtail butterflies. Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio/Pterourus palamedes) uses only Persea as a larval host......."
"I have collected hundreds of larvae from Red Bay , and all have been Palamedes. The larvae look very similar and can easily be confused by anyone unfamiliar with both species. Spicebush Swallowtail uses Sassafras exclusively through most of its range. These two large insects are among the most characteristic butterflies of the Coastal Zone of much of the Southeast...".
"Red bays are host plants to three butterflies: palamedes, Schaus and spicebush swallowtails. The palamedes is obligate to the red bay as the eggs are laid on the leaves and the emerging caterpillar eats the leaves."
It is hard to think that we might lose a segment of the butterfly population along with these native trees. It is likely this problem will spread to other southeastern states; it is suggested that if you live in LA, AL or NC and see evidence of Red Bays or Sassafras dying that you contact your Dept. of Natural Resources and report it.
Red Bay Tree problems
Unfortunately, this news does not surprise me. I'm glad to hear that a few states are trying to stay on top of the blight problem. Maybe they can get it under control before it wipes out the Red Bay and Sassafras trees. Let's hope so for the sake of our beloved butterflies! :-)
Unfortunately there is no control at this point and they expect the Red Bay to be completely wiped out within 3 years, just the like the American Elm was wiped out.