@article{schopler_simha_dalton_wilson_redick_youngsteadt_petry_2026, title={Spring ephemeral <i>Erythronium umbilicatum</i> may not be vulnerable to phenological mismatch with overstory trees}, url={https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.70172}, DOI={10.1002/ajb2.70172}, journal={American Journal of Botany}, author={Schopler, Melina and Simha, Anita and Dalton, Rebecca M. and Wilson, Emma M. and Redick, Emmeline and Youngsteadt, Elsa and Petry, William K.}, year={2026}, month={Mar} }
 @article{wilson_mahan_mali_2025, title={An Evaluation of Physical Abnormalities and Melanism in Freshwater Turtles (Testudines, Emydidae) of the Lower Pecos River, New Mexico, USA}, volume={24}, url={https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1630.1}, DOI={10.2744/CCB-1630.1}, abstractNote={Because of their longevity and endurance, turtles often function as indicators of environmental quality for the ecosystems they occupy. Evaluation of sublethal physical abnormalities in freshwater turtles can provide insight into the extent of environmental stressors. The lower Pecos River, located in the southwestern USA, has undergone anthropogenic disturbance through dam construction, channelization, and oil and gas extraction, with the recent megadrought further affecting water quality and availability. These stressors can be manifested in physical abnormalities and cumulatively affect the fitness of freshwater turtles in this fragile ecosystem. We examined photographs of 674 emydid turtles captured at 16 sites on the lower Pecos River in Eddy County, New Mexico, in 2020 and 2021. We looked for signs of poor body condition such as missing limbs, abnormal shell shape, and shell lesions. We also recorded cases of melanism in males and documented abnormal scutellation. Shell lesions, characterized by pitting with irregular flaking on the carapace and plastron, were the most common abnormality documented in Rio Grande cooters (Pseudemys gorzugi; mean prevalence per site = 21%) and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans; mean prevalence per site = 32%). For P. gorzugi, the next most frequent abnormality was abnormal scutellation (mean prevalence per site = 12%), while T. s. elegans showed comparable rates of abnormal scutellation (mean prevalence per site = 11%) and “other” abnormalities (mean prevalence per site = 12%). The most severe “other” abnormality cases (e.g., abnormal shell shape and missing limbs) could be attributed to predation attempts or human-caused injuries, including heavy agricultural machinery and boat propellers. Melanism was documented in male P. gorzugi (mean prevalence per site = 10%) and male T. s. elegans (mean prevalence per site = 32%), likely representing older individuals. Despite the relatively high prevalence of milder abnormalities such as abnormal scutellation, further study is needed on their causes in the context of the lower Pecos River environmental conditions during turtle development. We emphasize the importance of assessing physical abnormalities while conducting freshwater turtle surveys and encourage future research to explore potential genetic and environmental factors that affect embryonic and post-hatching development of turtles.}, number={1}, journal={Chelonian Conservation and Biology}, author={Wilson, Emma M. and Mahan, Laramie B. and Mali, Ivana}, year={2025}, month={Mar}, pages={56–66} }
 @article{schopler_simha_dalton_wilson_redick_youngsteadt_petry_2025, title={Data from: Spring ephemeral <em>Erythronium umbilicatum</em> may not be vulnerable to phenological mismatch with overstory trees}, DOI={10.5061/dryad.0k6djhbc9}, abstractNote={In this study, we aimed to understand the effects of experimental shade on the spring ephemeral Erythronium umbilicatum and predict the extent of phenological mismatch between E. umbilicatum and the canopy under future climate warming. We conducted this study in the Duke Forest (southeastern North Carolina, USA). We experimentally shaded Erythronium umbilicatum for one to six additional weeks prior to canopy leaf-out to test for immediate and lagged effects of early shading on the timing of senescence and the probability of survival and flowering. To predict the potential for earlier shading, we combined long-term time series of spring air temperature (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University, 2022), remotely-sensed tree leaf-out (MOD13Q1.061; Didan, 2021), and E. umbilicatum flowering phenology.}, journal={DRYAD}, author={Schopler, Melina and Simha, Anita and Dalton, Rebecca and Wilson, Emma and Redick, Emmeline and Youngsteadt, Elsa and Petry, William}, year={2025}, month={May} }
 @article{schopler_simha_dalton_wilson_redick_youngsteadt_petry_2025, title={Spring ephemeral <i>Erythronium umbilicatum</i> may not be vulnerable to phenological mismatch with overstory trees}, url={https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.05.14.652260}, DOI={10.1101/2025.05.14.652260}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Premise The defining life history strategy of spring ephemeral wildflowers is their avoidance of shading by trees during the brief, high-light period before canopy leaf-out. Studies suggest that spring ephemerals will experience increased light competition because canopy leaf-out is more sensitive to warming than is the phenology of spring ephemerals. However, it remains unclear how longer durations of shade will alter the population dynamics of spring ephemerals and whether all populations are at risk. Methods We experimentally shaded Erythronium umbilicatum for one to six additional weeks prior to canopy leaf-out to test for immediate and lagged effects of early shading on the timing of senescence and the probability of survival and flowering. To predict the potential for earlier shading, we combined long-term time series of spring air temperature, remotely-sensed tree leaf-out, and E. umbilicatum flowering phenology in North Carolina, USA. Key results Early shading did not alter E. umbilicatum until the following year, when more-shaded plants senesced later. We found no change in year-to-year survival, and a reduction in the probability of flowering only when plants experienced extremely early shading. Moreover, E. umbilicatum phenology was more sensitive than tree leaf-out to warming temperatures. Under climate warming, we project that E. umbilicatum is unlikely to experience shortened periods of high light. Conclusions Our findings show that a plant species’ defining life history strategy does not necessarily predict their sensitivity to phenological mismatches. This complicates, but also underscores the importance of identifying the most vulnerable species and directing our research efforts accordingly.}, author={Schopler, Melina and Simha, Anita and Dalton, Rebecca M. and Wilson, Emma M. and Redick, Emmeline and Youngsteadt, Elsa and Petry, William K.}, year={2025}, month={May} }