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109 Moth, Butterfly Species October 20, 2004 "The butterfly and moth survey project is part of a much larger effort at the Upper Green River Biological Preserve," Dr. Marcus said. "We are trying to identify all of the species that are present on the property, because as we restore habitats and reintroduce native vegetation at the preserve we may affect the abundance of species that are already present, and perhaps even allow rare species that are not currently present to recolonize the preserve. In order to detect these changes, we have to know what is there in the first place." And the counting isn't finished yet, according to WKU biology professor Jeffrey Marcus. So far, 62 species of moths and 47 species of butterflies have been identified on the 671-acre preserve located along the Green River in Hart County. Dr. Marcus is coordinating the surveys in conjunction with the Society of Kentucky Lepidopterists and with the assistance of WKU biology undergraduates Tim Shehan of Bloomfield and Brooke Polen of Bowling Green as well as Maria Buckley and Christian Downing, employees of the Lost River Cave butterfly pavilion. Rare species already discovered there include the Olympia Marble (Eucloe olympia), found at only a few sites in Kentucky, and Lactura pupula, a rare moth with no common name that is known from only two other places in Kentucky. Future surveys will focus on expanding the number of moths on the species list with special efforts devoted to determining if the snake-master borer moth (Papaipema eryngii), which is on the Kentucky endangered species list, is present on the preserve property, he said. "I enjoy including students in these surveys because it allows them to observe and appreciate the animals that they study in the lab in their natural habitat, it reinforces to them the importance of conservation, and it helps to develop their observation skills," Dr. Marcus said. "It also helps them understand in detail some of the effects of altering habitats -- whether it is for environmental restoration as is occurring at the preserve, or for economic development as is occurring all over the world." Besides butterflies and moths, the Upper Green River Biological Preserve is home to seven federally listed endangered species – five mussel species, the Mammoth Cave shrimp and the grey bat – as well as numerous fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and plant species. "Our experiences at the preserve may help others manage habitat in order to allow for the preservation of rare or endangered species," Dr. Marcus said.
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