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Macrolepidoptera biodiversity in Wooster, Ohio from 2001 through 2009
Roger A Downer1, Timothy A Ebert2
1Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, 1680 Madison Ave, Wooster, OH 44691.
Zookeys
|December 11, 2014
Summary
Urban backyards can host diverse moth populations, with over 500 species recorded. Planting native plants in urban landscapes can significantly increase moth biodiversity, supporting ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Urban Biodiversity
Background:
- Light traps are effective tools for documenting insect biodiversity.
- Urban environments can harbor surprisingly diverse ecosystems.
- Previous studies have focused on natural areas, with less known about urban moth fauna.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document moth biodiversity in a residential backyard using a light trap.
- To compare urban moth diversity with that found in nearby natural areas.
- To investigate the influence of urban landscaping on moth species richness.
Main Methods:
- Operated a Skinner mercury vapor light trap from 2001-2009.
- Recorded 77,581 captures across 501 moth species.
- Recalculated data to conform to older Noctuoidea classifications for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Documented 501 moth species, exceeding diversity in nearby natural areas.
- Found higher numbers of specialized moth groups (e.g., Schinia, Catocala) in the urban setting.
- Observed significant seasonal variation in moth diversity, influenced by temperature and sampling intervals.
Conclusions:
- Urban residential backyards can be rich in moth biodiversity.
- Planting native species in urban landscapes can enhance local moth fauna.
- Standardized sampling protocols, potentially using growing degree days, are crucial for accurate biodiversity assessments.