Location: Systematic Entomology Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-22000-317-028-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2021
End Date: May 31, 2026
Objective:
As part of the monitoring effort for forest restoration projects in the Valles Caldera National Preserve (VALL) of New Mexico, the VALL and the Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL) will collaborate to inventory and track through time the distribution and abundances of selected pests and beneficial insect species. These species are important to the proper structure and functioning of the forest ecosystems and their presence/absence and relative abundances provide information concerning the success of restoration efforts (including forest thinning, fire management, and riparian restoration).
Approach:
Staff from Valles Caldera National Preserve (VALL) and Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL) will collaborate to sample various insect groups in both treated and untreated forest stands to provide information for science-based adaptive management of forest and range restoration projects. Field sampling methods will be appropriate for each taxon under observation, but could include pitfall traps, malaise traps, light traps, pheromone traps, and hand collecting. Taxa to be monitored will include, but are not limited to, the following groups: moths and butterflies, wasps and ants, aphids, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets, true bugs, flies and aquatic insects; in addition, non-insect groups (spiders, mites, centipedes, millipedes, etc.) can be included in this project. Samples from the field will be sorted, counted, and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic unit (e.g., genus or species). Archived voucher specimens will be maintained in both the VALL reference collection and the SEL/Smithsonian Institution collections in the U.S. National Museum. Entomological specialists with SEL will work with VALL field personnel to sample the field sites, and then will prepare and identify specimens collected.
The VALL, through the Resilient Landscapes funding, will provide financial support for the following:
1. Travel of SEL entomologists to and from the Valles Caldera National Preserve; this will include airfare, per diem for food and lodging, rental of field vehicles, and miscellaneous travel expenses.
2. Field supplies as needed for sampling and specimen processing/archival.
3. Wages/stipends for SEL interns/technicians/students to assist with sampling and specimen processing.
The USDA SEL will provide salaries and benefits for their specialists to collect, process, identify and archive the insect specimens collected during the project.
