COLUMBUS, OH - A new species of moth, now known to exist in only two locations in the world, Resthaven State Wildlife Area in Erie County and Huffman Prairie at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Greene County, has been found thanks to a wildlife diversity grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife
The discovery of the new species, Spinipogon resthavenensis, resulted from survey research in native tall grass prairie habitats in Ohio funded by the ODNR Division of Wildlifes Endangered Species & Wildlife Diversity Program.
Eric H. Metzler and Michael Sabourin are credited with the discovery of the moth. With sponsorship from the wildlife diversity fund, Metzler conducted inventories of night flying insects at Resthaven State Wildlife Area and Huffman Praire. More than 1,000 species of moths were identified including the new species.
A lot of credit goes to the Division of Wildlife and other agencies across the state who are maintaining our existing prairies and restoring the prairie habitats that have been lost, said Metzler. Without their commitment to managing prairie habitats, this species of moth may have gone extinct without ever being discovered.
As the discoverer, Metzler had the responsibility to name this species. He chose resthavenensis in honor of Resthaven State Wildlife Area.
The name recognizes the importance of state wildlife areas, parks and prairie preserves as habitats for biological diversity, said Metzler.
Resthaven State Wildlife Area is located in Northern Ohio near the town of Resthaven. The 2,300-acre state wildlife area is managed to provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife species and is a popular area for hunting, birding and other wildlife related recreational opportunities.
The moth measures one-eighth of an inch around; about one-half the size of a pencil. This moth is one of only eight species belonging to the genus Spinipogon in the world. All seven other species are neo-tropical and exist in Central and South America, with one species found in Florida.
This particular moth was found in portions of northern tall-grass prairies with limestone-based soils. The moth has been found at the habitat's edge, where prairie plants meet other wetland and woodland habitats. Metzler intends to do more inventorying at other prairie locations in Ohio.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife works in cooperation with researchers, other nonprofit groups, as well as educators, to promote public awareness of the states wildlife diversity.
Contributions to the state income tax checkoff program for wildlife diversity and endangered species, and the sale of conservation license plates, helps fund a number of special projects, including wildlife research, publications and re-introductions of species such as bald eagles, Karner blue butterflies, trumpeter swans, osprey and shovelnose sturgeon. Funds are also used to restore and conserve numerous wildlife habitats.