Insects of the Olympic Mountains: a Visual Survey — by Carter Urnes

Olympic National Park contains a unique array of largely-undisturbed insect populations. However, very few research projects have characterized the distribution, phenology, and plant associations of these insects. In order to generate a framework for long-term monitoring of insect populations in the Olympic Mountains, Carter Urnes has conducted two years of visual encounter surveys within the Park. While he is interested in documenting all insect populations within the Olympics, these surveys are mostly focused on butterflies and day-flying moths. In this recorded program, Carter discusses some of the species he has observed and priorities for future surveys; also the use of iNaturalist for organizing insect observations.

Carter (CJ) Urnes is a field biologist and ecologist who was born in Port Angeles. He started working in the backcountry of ONP in 2011 and completed a Masters degree in Marine Science at WWU in 2021. While he has worked for ONP as a seasonal biologist for many years, he works during the winter as a fisheries consultant, and his views do not represent the views of ONP. He has studied many organisms including sea stars, songbirds, salmon and butterflies. He is working on a book about historical ecological change on the Olympic Peninsula.

Carter gave this program to WBA a year ago, and the intention was for him to give Scarabs a new version this year. Unfortunately, he discovered a schedule conflict, so instead we are presenting WBA's recording of last year's program. Carter's email address will be given in case folks have questions for him. General insect questions may be answered by knowledgeable Scarabs!

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