Project:

Identifying moths populations

Students:

Nellynia Suprien, Jaslin Lira Ramos, Madison Samuels, Mekiyah Parker

School:

Westbury High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Marie Bettina Fantal-Pinckombe

Abstract:

Long Island is home to many different moth species, including the Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) and the Spotted Apatelodes (Apatelodes torrefacta), which are the focus of this research. These native macro-moths are key components of the local food web, acting as primary nocturnal pollinators and essential prey for species such as bats. The Imperial Moth, known for its significant size, has been noted to be declining throughout the northern areas due to habitat loss and pesticide use, posing significant ecological threats. To track the current moth populations on Long Island, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and its partners monitor their peak seasonal activity, host-plant usage, and species distribution in ecologically sensitive areas, such as the Pine Barrens and suburbs. Around late May through early October, the Imperial Moth and Spotted Apatelodes are most active, completing their flight cycles. Monitoring helps us understand population health and identify specific envi

Poster:

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