Inventory of the butterflies and moths of Grand Teton National Park

Authors(s): P. Opler

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Objectives The objectives of the project are to inventory the butterflies and moths of Grand Teton National Park. Foremost is to discover the majority of species that occur within the Park's boundaries and to reveal their seasonality and habitat preferences. For species that have not been described in the scientific literature, it will be important to write original descriptions or to work in concert with other scientists. Wherever possible, evaluations of the species' status will be made, especially where management of the parks natural resources may be benefited. Findings and Status To date vouchers of butterfly species encountered in the park have been collected, mounted, and labelled. No more than 3-4 specimens per species have been collected and these are all placed in the C.P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity at Colorado State University. Roughly 120 specimens of butterflies have been collected. A list of the Butterflies of Grand Teton National Park is now served on USGS-Northern Prairie web site (www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/1999/insect/insect.htm). The moths have been sampled by light traps and pheromone traps at several sites in the park and roughly 1,000 specimens have been collected, pinned, and labeled. These are still in the process of being sorted and identified but sufficient information is available to prepare preliminary lists. Notable moth species found so far in the park are Euproserpinus flavofasciatus (Sphingidae), first known from Wyoming), two apparently undescribed species of Eucosma (Tortricidae), and a southern extension of the rare Eosphoropteryx thyatiroides (Noctuidae: Plusiinae). A list of moths from the park will be served on the USGS-Northern Prairie web site in the future.

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, Pararctia yarrowi, tiger moth, Proserpinus flavofasciatus, sphinx moth, Euproserpinus flavofasciatus , Sphingidae, Eucosma Tortricidae, Eosphoropteryx thyatiroides , Noctuidae: Plusiinae