Not only has UALR Biology Professor William H. Baltosser provided crucial research and field observations to help the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission protect the prairie grassland habitat of the Arogos Skipper butterfly in the Arkansas River Valley, he provided technical assistance for the Game and Fish Commission’s latest Conservation License Plate featuring the Diana Fritillary – the Arkansas state butterfly.

The specialty license plate, which generates funds for scholarships, sports the depiction of a black butterfly with wings fully extended displaying white and blue markings flitting over a field of wildflowers.  His expertise and research with the species was featured in the 2007 September-October issue of Arkansas Wildlife in an article titled, “Flitting with Disaster.”

In an article in the November 2008 issue of the Arkansas Natural Heritage newsletter, Baltosser describes his most recent work that focuses on observing and surveying Arogos Skippers in patches of prairie in Franklin County.

“Surveys are to continue in 2009 to gain additional insight into the biology of this species, to gauge the impact of management practices such as haying and burning, and to broaden the geographic scope to include at least one additional prairie of interest, the Massard Prairie at Fort Chaffee,” Baltosser said.

The limited edition of the butterfly license plate each cost $35, $25 of which goes to the Game and Fish Commission’s Conservation Scholarship Program and other educational efforts. For more information or to purchase a gift certificate for one of the plates, call 800.364.GAME.