Insects and pollinators are under heavy pressure from a variety of human caused stressors and as a taxonomic group, are among the most petitioned taxa the USFWS receives to list species under the Endangered Species Act. Insects are likely affected by wind energy development through collisions, avoidance, and habitat fragmentation that may reduce key connectivity and migratory corridors. The proposed literature review will compile key information on potential attractants of wind development to insects and insect behavior (e.g. attraction to light and heat, response to wind currents created by turbines, seasonality of insects, effects on pollinators) as well as review a few species of conservation concern (e.g., Dakota Skipper, Western Bumble Bee and Regal Fritillary). The resulting review paper will discuss the interactions between insects and wind facilities, identify knowledge gaps, and potentially provide information on better ways to manage and/or place wind farms so that insects and wind development can better coexist.
PI: Lusha Tronstad tronstad@uwyo.edu
PI/Funding recipients organization: University of Wyoming - Wyoming Natural Diversity Database
Start date: 9/1/2020
Projected end date: 9/1/2022
Award ID: not yet assigned
Funding sources and amounts: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Legacy Region 6, Science Applications, $28,361
