Lepidoptera and Odonata Surveys of George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Chazal, Anne

In 2003, the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service contracted with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage (DCR-DNH) to conduct an inventory of the diurnal Lepidoptera and Odonata on George Washington Birthplace National Monument (GEWA), Westmoreland County, Virginia. Between May-July 2003 and April-September 2004, DCR-DNH conducted surveys over 13 days covering thirteen habitats which were categorized into six habitat types: beach/shoreline, developed areas, field, forest, marsh, and water (i.e., freshwater ponds). Fifty-one species of Lepidoptera and 37 species of Odonata were observed. The field habitats, primarily classified as Planted/Cultured/Cultivated Herbaceous Vegetation, had the highest species diversity and highest total numbers for Lepidoptera. The marsh habitats, primarily comprised of Tidal Oligohaline Marsh, had the highest species diversity and totals for Odonata. No rare, threatened, or endangered species were observed. Three watchlisted species were observed: Aaron’s Skipper (Poanes aaroni), Comet Darner (Anax longipes), and Elegant Spreadwing (Lestes inaequalis). All of these species are considered common to very common and secure across their global ranges. The results of this survey represent 24 new county records for Lepidoptera and 23 for Odonata. The species accumulation curve for Lepidoptera indicates that further surveys may increase the known fauna of GEWA; however, the same type of curve for Odonata leveled off by the eighth survey indicating that further surveys may have low probability of recording new species.

Lepidoptera and Odonata Surveys of George Washington Birthplace National Monument

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