Standardised sampling of lepidopterans (Lepidoptera) in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) - 2013 and 2014

Study Extent

The study was carried out in Serra da Estrela Natural Park encompassing the elevation gradient and the variety of habitats of this protected area.

Sampling

Lepidopterans were sampled using a standardised methodology to ensure the possibility of biodiversity data comparison between study sites and to set a reference for mountain biodiversity monitoring in Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Insect sampling followed the Pollard and Yates methodology (Pollard and Yates 1993): a 150m linear transect was set in each study site and adult insects of the target groups were recorded when observed at a distance of up to 5m ahead from the researcher and 2.5m for each side. The insects were captured with the help of a sweeping net only in case of need to confirm their species identity, being immediately released afterwards. Sampling was carried out between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and under favourable climatic conditions (i.e., sampling was not performed under rainy, windy, cloudy and hot weather conditions). The data were collected during the seasonal peak of activity of adult lepidopterans in Serra da Estrela in two consecutive years (2013 and 2014).

Quality Control

Lepidopterans were identified by trained taxonomists (Albano Soares, Hugo Figueiredo and Sandra Antunes) during fieldwork.

Method steps

1. Insect sampling followed the Pollard and Yates methodology (Pollard and Yates 1993): a 150m linear transect was set in each study site and adult insects of the target groups were recorded when observed at a distance of up to 5m ahead from the researcher and 2.5m for each side.

Diurnal butterflies (Lepidoptera).

1. Lepidoptera
   common name: Butterflies rank: order

The study was carried out in Serra da Estrela and its surroundings.