Date: 3/30/99

Time: 9:25

Type: Symposium

Number: 105

Status of lepidopterans in Ohio prairies

*E. Metzler, The Ohio Lepidopterists, Columbus, OH 43229-1306
Contact e-mail: spruance@infinet.com

Ohio's remnant prairies are characterized by plants. Lepidopterans are closely tied to plants, yet little is known about these animals in prairie habitats. I systematically collected 295 samples in seven remnant prairies from 1992-1998. Samples were taken on 133 nights at 43 sites. Fifty thousand (50,000) moths, representing 900 species, were recorded. Thirty eight (38) prairie remnant dependent species of moths were recorded. These moths apparently entered Ohio during the period of Transeau's prairie peninsula, and they continue to survive in suitable remnant habitats. Remnant dependent animals are indicators of prairie health, and maintenance plans should consider their continued survival.

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