Fire-dependent
Guides
Apomyelois bistriatella
Heath Knot-horn
A small pyralid moth (wingspan 15–25 mm) with a circumpolar distribution across North America and northern Eurasia. Adults are active from May to September, with peak flight in June–July. Larvae are specialized fungivores that develop within Daldinia and Hypoxylon fungi growing on burnt or dead woody plants, particularly gorse and birch. Colonies are ephemeral and shift location based on the availability of suitable host fungi.
Aradus laeviusculus
Aradus laeviusculus is a near threatened flat bug (Hemiptera: Aradidae) that was considered extinct in Finland until its rediscovery in 1996. The species inhabits post-fire habitats, specifically burnt restoration sites. Recent records from Koli National Park in North Karelia, Eastern Finland, demonstrate its persistence in managed fire-maintained landscapes.
Atomosia glabrata
Ringed Micropanther
Atomosia glabrata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Ringed Micropanther. It is found in the United States and shows a strong ecological association with recently burned prairie habitat. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight.
Cicindela patruela
Northern Barrens Tiger Beetle
Cicindela patruela, the Northern Barrens Tiger Beetle, is a medium-sized tiger beetle endemic to eastern North America with highly specific habitat requirements. Adults are metallic green with ivory elytral bands and measure 12–15 mm in length. The species has a two-year life cycle with adults active primarily in spring and fall. Populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and fire suppression, leading to endangered status in Canada and vulnerable ranking by NatureServe.
Speyeria idalia
regal fritillary
Speyeria idalia, commonly known as the regal fritillary, is a prairie-obligate butterfly species native to North America. The species has experienced severe population declines, with abundance and occupied range reduced by over 99% due to tallgrass prairie loss and degradation. Populations are now largely restricted to isolated remnant prairie patches, primarily in the Flint Hills ecoregion of Kansas and scattered sites across the Midwest. The species is under consideration for protection under the Endangered Species Act and serves as an indicator for grassland ecosystem health.
Upis ceramboides
Roughened Darkling Beetle, kökskörven
Upis ceramboides is a fire-dependent darkling beetle that colonizes burned deciduous trees, particularly birch. The species has declined in southern Sweden due to fire suppression and modern forestry, persisting mainly in northern Scandinavia, Alaska, and Canada. Adults exhibit extreme freeze tolerance, surviving temperatures well below freezing through unique biochemical adaptations including xylomannan antifreeze and threitol. Larvae develop in fire-damaged inner bark rich in fungal mycelia, with a two-to-three-year life cycle.