Research Training Program

Sarah Garrett
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, Virginia

Dr. John Brown, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Entomology

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Leafrollers (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Contribution to the All Taxa Biological Inventory

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is conducting an All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI). The Park comprises more than half a million acres that serve as refuge for one of the most diverse biotas in the temperate world. Because less than ten percent of the species inhabiting the park are known, an ATBI has been implemented to remedy this shortfall in knowledge. Ideally, data on species distribution and phenology will allow the Park to more efficiently manage the indigenous biota. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the Park’s ATBI by inventorying the family of moths known as tortricids or leafrollers. The main source of information for the study is the National Museum of Natural History’s collection of leafrollers from the Park, which dates from 1986 to the present. Over the course of the study a trip will be made to the Park in order to add to the growing database. Because it is understood that it is impossible to collect all species present within park boundaries, statistical analyses will be performed to estimate how many species of tortricids exist within the Park. Also, leafroller distributions in the Park, both spatial and temporal, will be quantified. How will the ATBI, and specifically this study, help the Great Smoky Mountains? All plant and animal species contribute to ecosystem productivity, sustainability, and stability. Changes in species presence/absence, abundance, or phenology may signal changes in habitat quality or community health. In order to recognize these changes there must first be good baseline data and an understanding of the dynamics of varying components of the ecosystem. From the data collected through the ATBI and any changes identified in the Park biota, scientists will be better able to recognize what areas need management.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, Award Number DBI 9820303.

Letter of Gratitude