Bowling Green, Ky. - A Western Kentucky University biologist and a team of volunteers have identified 592 species of butterflies and moths at Mammoth Cave National Park.

In 2005, Dr. Jeffery Marcus, assistant professor of biology, led a team of volunteers to inventory the species of Lepidopterans (butterflies and moths) at the park. According to preliminary results, the group identified 380 species in 2005, which combined with previous surveys brings the total number of documented species to 592. Rare species identified in the survey include the brown elfin and Olympia marble butterflies and the Spanish moth.

The survey is continuing this year with a goal of surpassing 1,000 documented species at the park, Dr. Marcus said. A major survey event is planned for July 7-9.

Survey team members included WKU students, employees of the Mammoth Cave Division of Research and Resource Management, and amateur butterfly and moth enthusiasts from the Society of Kentucky Lepidopterists.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Jeffrey Marcus at (270) 745-2043.

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