Species variation and relative abundance of moths in glades versus forests at Peck Ranch

Abstract

There are a large number of species of moths in Missouri and some of them prefer glades while others prefer forests. This study is to determine what species like which habitat. Two sample areas of each type of habitat will be chosen on the Peck Ranch Conservation Area in southeast Missouri and a fluorescent light will be used as the attractant for the moths. The number of moths and the most abundant species will be determined in each sample area. Moths prefer the forested habitat due to the greater variety of vegetation level and more available microhabitats for each species of moth. The larger species of moths also prefer the forested habitats while the smaller species seem evenly varied between both.