Plant on which eggs were deposited/larva feeding.

Datatype: taxon
Created by: lynnwatson lynnwatson

Observations specifying this field

Observation Insect Host Plant

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

July 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

July 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

July 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

July 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

June 2023

Description

Abundant in Silphium perfoliatum in young prairie restoration (no sign of larva or adults prior to this year). Collected 5 individuals on 6/10 to rear from stems based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Of the 5 collected, two survived to pupate and ultimately eclose. Two shriveled up prior to pupating, one produced a fly pupa. Of the two that survived, one pupated on 8/16, the second sealed off a chamber within the potato on 8/20 and had pupated by 8/26. First adult eclosed the night of 9/18, second adult eclosed the night of 9/29. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observation marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

Tags

  Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Description

Collected and reared from Silphium laciniatum stems in young prairie restoration (adults and larva not noted prior to this year). Collected two individuals on 6/09 and 6/10 based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Pupated on 8/15 and 8/23. One individual eclosed night of 9/15, the other night of 9/24. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observations are marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

  Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Description

Collected and reared from Silphium laciniatum stems in young prairie restoration (adults and larva not noted prior to this year). Collected two individuals on 6/09 and 6/10 based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Pupated on 8/15 and 8/23. One individual eclosed night of 9/15, the other night of 9/24. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observations are marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

  Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Description

Collected and reared from Silphium laciniatum stems in young prairie restoration (adults and larva not noted prior to this year). Collected two individuals on 6/09 and 6/10 based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Pupated on 8/15 and 8/23. One individual eclosed night of 9/15, the other night of 9/24. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observations are marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

  Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Date

July 2023

Description

Collected and reared from Silphium laciniatum stems in young prairie restoration (adults and larva not noted prior to this year). Collected two individuals on 6/09 and 6/10 based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Pupated on 8/15 and 8/23. One individual eclosed night of 9/15, the other night of 9/24. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observations are marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

  Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Photos / Sounds

What

Silphium Borer Moth (Papaipema silphii)

Observer

mossman13

Description

Collected and reared from Silphium laciniatum stems in young prairie restoration (adults and larva not noted prior to this year). Collected two individuals on 6/09 and 6/10 based on plants showing signs of larvae present. Reared in original stems at first, then switched to carrot and potato. Pupated on 8/15 and 8/23. One individual eclosed night of 9/15, the other night of 9/24. Subsequently released. All observations after the initial wild observations are marked captive/casual and can be found in the Observation Group field.

  Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)
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Projects Using This Field

Butterfly & Moth Host Plants icon

Butterfly & Moth Host Plants

Photos of butterflies and moths with the host source identifiable and identified with the required 'Insect ...
ETCMN Caterpillars icon

ETCMN Caterpillars

Many moths and butterflies are dependent on certain plants for caterpillar host. The purpose of this proje...
Ash Interactions in North America icon

Ash Interactions in North America

Tracking ash as a host plant for insects, fungi and other organisms in North America.
 
San Carlos Native Plant Habitat Garden icon

San Carlos Native Plant Habitat Garden

Collect observations of fauna in the San Carlos Native Plant Habitat Garden, a UC Master Gardener project i...
Caterpillar and Sawfly Host Plants of the NE US icon

Caterpillar and Sawfly Host Plants of the NE US

The goal of this project is to record caterpillars (larvae of Lepidoptera butterflies and moths and Symphyt...

Comments

Would anyone object to this data field being merged with "Host Plant ID" (https://inaturalist.org/observation_fields/6586). Both are "taxon" type fields and really this field (Insect host plant ID) is just a more specific version of "Host Plant ID". Tagging some curators of projects currently using this field: @finatic, @greglasley, @microm, @trcarlisle, @leo_dapporto, @mattiamenchetti, @ciniale, @svania, @ilplataleo, @fabienpiednoir

Posted by mikeburrell almost 4 years ago

Definitely, for me you can go ahead, thanks @mikeburrell!

Posted by mattiamenchetti almost 4 years ago

Tagging a few more heavy users of this data field: @christine123 @mws @joebartok @crgillette @ansel_oommen @harumkoh @kens18 @fabienpiednoir @larry522 @spritelink @molanic

Does anyone object to merging this data field with "Host Plant ID" (https://inaturalist.org/observation_fields/6586). Both are "taxon" type fields and really this field (Insect host plant ID) is just a more specific version of "Host Plant ID". I don't think we would lose any functionality (you could query for insect records with a host plant ID field filled out).

Posted by mikeburrell over 3 years ago

As long as all usage of this field gets converted into usage of host plant ID, I’m good with it. I see no difference in the meanings between the two fields

Posted by mws over 3 years ago

Sincerely, I don't know. I've been used with "Insect Host Plant". Can't figure how this will affect data losses to switch to a different field.
I don't see eitheir any need to merge the two : if one is dissatisfied by this one, why then not simply drop it and use the other one ? What does this bring to merge the two ?

Posted by fabienpiednoir over 3 years ago

By merging the two it makes it easier to search for host plant records. Right now, it could be buried in two different (but essentially the same) fields requiring at least two different queries. If the two get merged, anywhere that currently uses Insect Host Plant will be replaced by Host Plant (e.g. if a project currently uses insect host plant, it will become host plant). Generally, if there is not a need for two different fields (which so far no one has raised) then it is better to simplify and use a single field.

Posted by mikeburrell over 3 years ago

I don't object to the merger!

Posted by ansel_oommen over 3 years ago

"Insect Host Plant" was created first, and thus should be the one that is kept. A note was added to the "Host Plant ID" that it was a duplicate field and shouldn't have been created.

Posted by finatic over 3 years ago

Fungi and mites can also have host plants. I think the more general one should be used

Posted by mws over 3 years ago

And I still don't see why the two should be merged. Different needs, different ways. I don't see where is the problem. On the other hand, this seems t be many work and time for not that many use...

Posted by fabienpiednoir over 3 years ago

I just want to clear this up - there's basically zero work involved for people here. You certainly would not have to change any records - merging the two fields would transfer the value from "insect host plant" to "host plant ID".

The only difference would be the name of the field. It will not change the actual data.

The problem we would be "fixing" is to consolidate the information. Here's an actual example: right now if I want to find records of the butterfly Danaus plexippus on Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) I have to do at least two queries; one for records of Danaus plexipus with Insect Host Plant = Asclepias syriaca and one for records of Danaus plexippus with Host Plant ID = Asclepias syriaca because users might have used either observation field.

If we can merge these two data fields, all of the values in Insect Host Plant will be transferred into Host Plant ID, so a single query would return all of the results of the two above.

I hope that makes sense. It is to help improve how easy it is to find information in iNaturalist. The only actual work involved is we can't do the merge until there are no projects with "Insect Host Plant" as an observation field (there are four projects currently using Insect Host Plant) there is nothing anyone else needs to do.

Posted by mikeburrell over 3 years ago

In the situation you're talking about, problem is actually that users used a field while there was already one for the same issue...
How would you prevent this to happen again, and people to create new similar fields ? Not to mention that fields can be designed for a peculiar purpose, and thenafter used in a different way...

An obs. can actually have various fields, even with the same value.
In the example above, If I want to work on Danaus on A. syriaca, I'll review D. plexippus obs., and add the field "Insect host plant" on the ones where it is missing. I know you will say that's a lot of work, maybe futile, but how could you, elsewhere, know every obs. is filled, and properly field ?

The problematic project has been deleted. So now feel free to do anything you're judging usefull and necessary. I expressed myself on this, and I have nothing to add.

Posted by fabienpiednoir over 3 years ago

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