Lepidopteran Survey of Grand Teton National Park

Abstract

Beginning in 1979, a detailed survey of the macro lepidopteran fauna began in Grand Teton National Park. The three year survey, supported by UW-NPS funding, includes the following objectives: 1. Formulation of a synoptic list and voucher specimen collection of all macro lepidopteran species inhabiting Grand Teton National Park. Prior to this study, very little was known concerning the important lepidopterans or their ecology within Wyoming ecosystems and virtually nothing of scientific value had been published on the lepidopterans of the national parks in Wyoming. 2. Determination of Pleistocene "relict" or "marker" species which have survived in Grand Teton National Park. The data obtained from these "relict" species can be used in the aging and the determination of rates of species evolution within the ecosystems of the park. Related studies in Rocky Mountain National Park and elsewhere in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah (Bagdonas, 1976; Bagdonas, et al. 1977a, 1977b, 1977c, 1977d, 1978a, 1978b, 1978c, 1979a, 1979b, 1979c, 1979d, 1979e, 1979f; Bagdonas, 1980a, 1980b; Bagdonas et a1. 1980c, 1980d, 1980e, 1981, 1982a, 1982b, 1982c, 1982d,) have indicated many lepidopteran species in the Rocky Mountains are survivors of the Pleistocene glacial and interglacial periods. 3. Determination of relative abundances, habitat preferences, seasonal flight periods, life histories, and other ecological data of Grand Teton macro lepidopterans. This data will be used toward the completion of a book for the National Park Service on the butterflies and moths of the Grand Teton National Park, and with expanded studies, also, those of Yellowstone National Park.