Lepidoptera Blitz at Acadia National Park

Manski, David

FIELD WORK: June 12-14, 2004 Following is taken from the manuscript: 'On June 12-14, 2004, the National Park Service, the Maine Entomology Society, and the Maine Forest Service hosted 35 professional and amateur entomologists who volunteered 1,492 hours to conduct the first-ever moth and butterfly blitz at the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park, Maine. The 2.400 acre Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland - the remainder of the Park consists of numerous offshore islands. Schoodic boasts granit headlands, rocky intertidal habitats, coniferous forests, and elevations ranging from sea level to 440 feet. Participants sorted/identified specimens (and were housed and fed) at the Park's Schoodic and Education Center, one of 13 National Park Service Research Learning Centers.' 'Preliminary results from the blitz recorded 18 butterfly and 128 moth species plus another 20-30 additional moth species which will require additional taxonomic work. One of those species is possibly undescribed. Considering that the blitz took place during late spring/early summer and that night-time temperatures were in the mid 40's, participants were very pleased with the recorded species diversity.' 'We had two very qualified taxonomists leading the blitz: Brian Scholtens from the University of Charleston, SC, and Reggie Webster from Frederickton, New Brunswick, Canada. The event was extensively covered by local media, including filming by the Maine Public TV series 'Quest'. They will be producing a program on our blitz for broadcast next winter.' 'To date, vouchers of about 80% of the collected species have been deposited in the William Otis Sawtelle Collections and Research Center, and Acadia National Park's museum collection facility. Given the interest and success of this blitz, Park staff and the Maine Entomology Society are hoping to conduct future annual collecting efforts for Lepidoptera and/or other invertebrate species at Acadia National Park.' /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /SCHOODIC PENINSULA/