Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Publication Date
Fall 11-30-2023
College
Sciences and Mathematics, College of
Department
Biology, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Darlene Panvini
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Moths can act as indicators of environmental wellness due to their pollution sensitivity and the complexity of biodiversity required to support their life cycles. Urbanization can impact the occurrence of moths in protected green spaces. Higher moth species richness was hypothesized to occur in parks surrounded by more rural areas. Three metropolitan parks were chosen in the Nashville area: downtown, within a suburban neighborhood, and in a rural area. Tree canopy cover and degree of impervious surfaces were assessed for each park and surrounding area using iTreeCanopy. Moths were attracted to a white sheet using a mercury vapor bulb, UV wand, and sugar mix. Individuals were identified to species. Our surveys showed higher moth species richness in the park surrounded by rural landscape. Supporting moth diversity in urban areas may include monitoring for pollution and installing a diverse mix of plant species in areas surrounding public green spaces.
Recommended Citation
Stone, Maxwell and Bennett, Allie, "Species richness of moths in parks surrounded by varying levels of urbanization around Nashville, Tennessee" (2023). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 71.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/71
Included in
Biodiversity Commons, Entomology Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Population Biology Commons
