Dr. Riley

We will continue work started with earlier support from DLIA towards an inventory the leaf beetles of GSMNP and production of a Web-based identification guide. The Identification Guide includes a "species page" for each leaf species where relevant information is conveyed to the general public. Under the current proposal, both PIs will visit GSMNP to perform targeted collecting of leaf beetles. Species not formally recorded from the park but expected to occur there will be targeted, as well as regionally endemic species. Park personnel and ATBI volunteers will be enlisted to help locate potential host plants for selected beetle species. ATBI volunteers will participate in field collection of beetles and possibly carry-on these activities after the PIs‚ departure. This project will generate georeferenced specimen data for the GSMNP ATBI. Approximately 50 to 60 additional species pages will be produced and linked to the Identification Guide.

Dr. Clark

Principal Investigator

PI Name:  Mr. Edward G. Riley

PI Organization:  Texas A&M University

Co-investigator #1

Co-PI Name:  Dr. Shawn M. Clark

Co-PI Organization:  Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum , Brigham Young University