Mega Beetle Blitz 2005
Mega Beetle Blitz 2005
Funding requested in this proposal will support a Coleoptera (beetle) collecting event, Mega Beetle Blitz 2005, that will be co-organized by V. M. Bayless and Coleoptera TWIG (taxonomic working group) leader C. E. Carlton. This two-week bio-blitz duration will allow a team of highly qualified researchers an opportunity to thoroughly document some of the unknown species of the GSMNP. A focus on light trapping and flight intercept trapping will fill gaps in our knowledge of the Coleoptera fauna. In order to encourage participation, $250 will be offered to seven participating scientists. Basic travel costs are requested for the PI as well as supplies for researchers, volunteers and students. The Blitz will be coordinated with educational and volunteer programs, and results will be posted on the "Smoky Beetle" Website (http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/arthropodmuseum/smokybeetles.htm).
A Mega Bioblitz for the Coleoptera (Beetle) Twig of the GSMNP ATBI was conducted June 1-15, 2005. Sixty invitations were sent to Coleopterists in the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />US and 5 invitations to international scientists. Of those, 4 scientists who work with beetle families that are poorly represented on the species list maintained by the Twig Leader, Chris Carlton. http://entomology.lsu.edu/lsam/smokybeetles.htm, were offered and paid $250 each as a participant fee. Twelve researchers and nineteen citizen scientists participated. With the help of Jeanie Hilten at DLIA, housing was arranged and the training and participation of volunteers was coordinated. A public educational display and talk was presented to the public at Sugarlands Visitor’s Center. Interns from Tremont Institute and the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center were instructed on collecting techniques and collected beetles during the blitz and during the rest of the summer. Collecting was done throughout the park. The researchers e-mailed identifications as they were completed, resulting in 19 new park records. Work on identifications continues. Identified specimens were returned to the Louisiana State Arthropod Museum to be databased. An updated dataset of all beetles identified and their localities, including those from this Blitz was forwarded to DLIA and the GSMNP.
