Moths...
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Understanding Nebraska's moth biodiversity
has potential to inform conservationists of habitat
conditions. For an area to support an abundant and
diverse moth community, it must provide food for
both caterpillars (leaves and other plant parts) and
adults (nectar). In addition, the caterpillars of most
moth species usually have one, or a very limited
number of host plants. Therefore, areas with high
native plant diversity generally support higher moth
diversity.
Nebraska may have several areas worth
investigating for moth diversity. One potential
Nebraska hotspot for moth diversity is the deeply-
incised Niobrara River valley east of Valentine. Here,
on the river bluffs, western outliers of deciduous
woodlands intermingle with western pine woodlands
and remnant birch forests from glacial times. The
area is home to nearly 600 plant species providing a
varied food source for moths. Another area is Indian
Cave State Park. Because the caterpillars of many
moths feed on deciduous trees, especially oaks, this 3,000-acre,
richly-wooded landscape located on the Missouri River bluffs
certainly has potential.
If tallied, the moths presently identified in Nebraska total
approximately a 1,000 species, so it is likely that there are
well over a 1,000 moth species awaiting to be discovered and
documented. Until we have more people interested in moths
and out collecting them, Nebraska's moth diversity will remain
hidden by the night. ✔
Mark Brogie checks for moths on a
sheet illuminated by a fluorescent
light.
A white-lined sphinx moth hovers while feeding on a tall thistle flower. It
is one of 32 species of sphinx moths known in Nebraska.
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