Les Ferge in Wisconsin and I in Ohio are cooperators with the Lepidoptera portion project. Initially I am sampling moths at two sites in Resthaven Wildlife Area, Erie County, Ohio, as well as Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve, Kitty Todd Preserve, and Oak Openings Metropark in Lucas County, Ohio. The project was started in August 1994. Two species, Dichomeris costarufoella and Walshia similis were discovered in Ohio for the first time at Resthaven Wildlife Area. Several hundred other specimens must still be dissected for positive identification.
Insects are excellent indicators of habitats and their vitality.
Too little research has been documented in the literature. A few lepidopterists are working with butterflies in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. Ron Panzer in northern Illinois, and Les Ferge in Wisconsin are working with larger moths and butterflies. K.G.A. Hamilton, Ottawa Ontario, is working with leafhoppers, and members of The Ohio Lepidopterists are documenting their research in Ohio. More needs to be done, but we have a commendable start.