Tephritid Flies of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tephritid Flies of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Year:
2003
Grant Number:
DLIA2003-15
Grant Amount:
$4,250
Project Type:
minigrant
Organism Group Sought:
Flower Flies Grant Final Report Summary/Abstract:
- Prior to the beginning of our work with the GSMNP ATBI, the tephritid fly fauna of GSMNP was known to comprise only 10 species based on a handful of published records, and the presence of only nine specimens (three species) in the Sugarlands museum collection. From our efforts during the years 1999 to 2002, we documented the presence and distribution of 39 species in the Park, based on approximately 650 specimens (adults). During the year 2003, we documented the presence and distribution of an additional 11 previously unrecorded species bringing the total number of tephritids known from GSMNP to 50, including 2 species unknown to science. In total, approximately 600 adult tephritid specimens were collected or reared from host material from the Park in 2003 bringing the 1999-2003 total to over 1,300 adults and 680 + immatures.
- During the years 1999-2002, we documented biological information comprising approximately 30 host plants for the various tephritid flies in the Park. During 2003 we added at least 8 more host plant records. At least partial phenologies (seasonal occurrence of the various life stages) are known for all species documented to date. Immature stages of at least 21 species have been collected and preserved. Prior to 2003, 21 species of live adult tephritid flies from GSMNP had been photographed; during 2003 an additional 10 species were photographed bringing the total to 31(62% of total). In addition, numerous photographs of hosts, larval stages, gall, mines, and habitats were obtained. Videotapes of live adults of 12 species were filmed during 2003. The photographs and videotapes are being incorporated into the web pages for these species.
- We were assisted in collection efforts during 2003 by the following individuals: Bucky Appleyard (volunteer), Bob Hammond (volunteer), Amy Nichter (Student Conservation Association), Paul Super (NPS), Jonathon Mays (NPS intern), Adriean Mayor (NPS) and several other students and interns under the supervision of Paul Super. Most of their time was spent servicing Malaise traps (twice a week for 16 weeks). The students and interns devoted additional time to hand collecting and searching for host plants. We estimate that these individuals contributed a minimum of 120 hours in total to this project.
