Presenter: Ernie Vilela, College of Science, Biology
Authors: Ernie Vilela, and T. Heath Ogden
Faculty Advisor: Heath Ogden, College of Science, Biology
Institution: Utah Valley University
The insects of Capitol Reef National Park (CARE) are not well known. Only a few works provide some limited information. For example, research efforts within CARE have been conducted from 1993 to 2008 which included the following locations: Fremont River, Pleasant Creek, fruit orchards, and tinajas. These sites are situated in the central and some southern regions of CARE. Assessment of the insect fauna of CARE has progressed little since USDA-ARS research conducted by Tependino and others in 2004. This project proposes to improve understanding of these ecologically important members of the desert ecosystem. To enhance the current understanding of CARE insect biodiversity, in addition to the larger biosphere of the Colorado Plateau, sampling has been conducted through many parts of the National Park, with particular emphasis around the Utah Valley University Capitol Reef Field Station. Standardized sampling techniques in 33 locations from 2010-2015 were used to collect insect specimens. In total, over 6000 Insecta representatives were collected and sorted to morphotypes. Identification was carried out in the lab and by taxonomic specialists. This resulted in around 326 total species (or morphotypes), representing 15 orders and 44 families. This project will estimate the new records for CARE.