About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

This is only the second lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) study that has been done on the seashore. Because it's Federal property, obtaining the permits is difficult. Also, because it's a seashore, most of the research done on Cape Cod is ocean based. The moths of cape cod are stunning and diverse. The habitat is mostly pine barren and sand dunes with various forest scattered in. The pine barrens habitat is home to a lot of unique moths that aren't found in any other habitats. This project will use the findings to not only update the comprehensive list, but will also be used to protect the habitat of rare moths.

What is the significance of this project?

Moths are really important pollinators, prey items, and are just downright cool! This project will utilize the data to help protect the numerous rare species on Cape Cod. The Cape is also a great area for migrant moths in the fall, monitoring species that show up is crucial to determining the extent of warming/cooling cycles and the affects those cycles have on the insects. Because these insects are often overlooked in studies, it's hard to figure out what species are in an area and in what numbers. This project is also monitoring the affects of parasites on the larval stages of moths.

What are the goals of the project?

This project has been self-funded for 4 years and will continue until 2017. The timeline is roughly as follows (a lot is done simultaneously and each year):

1. Monitor moths on the National Seashore from May to October (with occasional trips in the "off season" (November-April).
2. Create an overall species list
3. Document flight times of specific Saturniid (Giant Silk) and Sphingid (Sphinx) moths.
4. Document parasitism rates of certain Sphingid (Sphinx) moths.
5. Submit data on rare species to Mass Natural Heritage
6. Make habitat restoration/protection suggestions and plans