NOCTURNAL FLIGHT ACTIVITY OF MOTHS (LEPIDOPTERA) IN ALPINE TUNDRA

Abstract

A blacklight trap was established at 3790 m in 1978 and at 3505 m, 3657 m, 3790 m, and 3810 m, in 1979, on the alpine tundra in Colorado. Weekly catches from 6 July to 4 August 1978, and 26 June to 14 September 1979, resulted in ca. 3500 individuals of over 48 species of moths. These results establish that a greater diversity of moths exists and greater nocturnal flight activity occurs than was previously supposed for alpine tundra communities. The implications for pollination and insect foraging are discussed.