Inventory of Moths and Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Insecta) of Grand Teton National Park

Authors(s): P. Opler and E. Buckner

Publication:

Publisher:

Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: progress report

Location:

Abstract: Objectives To determine a baseline list of the moths and butterflies found in Grand Teton National Park, and to determine their distribution by habitat, season, and altitude. This baseline will serve as a comparison against future changes due to factors such as global climate change, invasive exotic plants, grazing by ungulates, and fire. To alert Park Service resource management personnel of any management or conservation concerns relating to the Lepidoptera fauna. To describe newly discovered species in appropriate entomological journals. To keep up-to-date fauna list on U.S. Geological Survey on-line site, and to prepare complete report of findings at end of project or at such intervals as requested. Findings and Status Study has just begun. To date a list of about 70 butterfly species for Grand Teton National Park has been prepared (more than 120 species expected) and will be served on-line at a U.S.G.S. site. Moths collected in 1998 have not been labelled and identified, but a running list and database will be established. Up-to-date list will be served on-line at a U.S. Geological Survey site. Investigator will sample several days in 1999 during July and possibly in mid-May. During 1998 surveys it was discovered that 3 regional endemic butterflies, the Gillette's Checkerspot (Euphydryas gillettei), Relict Fritillary (Boloria kriemhild), and Hayden's Ringlet (Coenonympha haydenii) are found in the park. The last species is widespread and common, while the first two are restricted in the park and may require periodic monitoring. These two species are probably negatively affected by both fire and invasion by exotic plants. The widespread occurrence of Smooth Brome grass (Bromus inermis) in the park was noted; this grass would certainly be a negative influence on native moths and butterflies as almost none use it as caterpillar food source. Specimens collected in the park are stored in the C.P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity at Colorado State University.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Insecta, entomology, insect, animal, population, Grand Teton National Park, moth, butterfly, habitat, mammal, ungulate, food, forage, herbivore, caterpillar, fire, management, Gillette's Checkerspot , Euphydryas gillettei, Relict Fritillary , Boloria kriemhild, Hayden's Ringlet , Coenonympha haydenii