3.12 Insects
Population growth and subsequent development, especially habitat degradation, fragmen- tation and destruction, result in impacts to terrestrial and aquatic systems that can afect all insect species. In addition, nontarget impacts of pesticides (insecticides and herbicides) are harming invertebrate (macro and soil dwelling) and vertebrate populations (Larson et al. 2013; Hopwood et al. 2013; Pleasants and Oberhauser 2013; Gibbons et al. 2015) . Introduced pathogens from the commercial bumble bee industry are suspected as poten- tial contributors to signifcant bumble bee declines throughout North America (Cameron et al. 2011; Colla et al. 2006; Otterstatter and Tomson 2008; Murray et al. 2013) . Declines in bumble bee spe- cies may be associated with the introduction of pathogens imported on a species of native bumble bee reared in Europe and reintroduced for pollination of crops in the United States (primarily for blueberry, cranberry, and greenhouse tomato production) (Cameron et al. 2011) . Introduction of a beetle to control invasive thistle populations is decimating native thistle populations (Blitzer et al. 2012) . Some species—particularly butterfies—are sought after by collectors, and overcollection can be a threat in some situations. A giant skipper species, Megathymus cofaqui , may have been extirpated from the state due to overcollection. Insect collecting is not regulated under state law, although permits are required in some cases for collecting on public lands (e.g., state parks, game lands, national forests). 3.12.6 Additional Information Given the strategic (not operational) nature of this document, we have not identifed pop- ulation objectives for each and every species mentioned herein. In the 2005 document, we noted that we were unable to assess specifc population objectives for the majority of our fsh and wildlife species because of data limitations and knowledge gaps. However, conser- vation and management objectives may have been developed through cooperative eforts of specifc conservation partnerships. Recovery plans for species on the federal threatened and endangered species list also identify population and management objectives related to species recovery thresholds. Relevant conservation plans listed below provide information and recommendations for conservation and management actions. • “Recovery plan for St. Francis’ Satyr” (Murdock 1996) . Available on the internet http://ecos. fws.gov/docs/recovery_plans/1996/960423.pdf. • “Recovery plan for Spruce–fr Moss Spider” (Harp and Fridell 1998) . Available on the internet http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plans/1998/980911b.pdf.
• Butterfies of North America (Lotts and Naberhaus 2014) . Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center website: www.butterfiesandmoths.org. Tis site provides state-by-state
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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