D3144: An interdisciplinary approach to creating a field guide

The intent of this project is to create an insect field guide for Capitol Reef National Park that could be used by specialists and the general public visiting the park and other areas of the Colorado Plateau. This area contains an amazing amount of arthropod diversity, and there is a significant lack of literature addressing insects that are found in the area. Creating a field guide is a multifaceted and complex process requiring work in many different areas. For this project, a collection of insects representing those species that were both unique and common to Capitol Reef National Park were selected. From the collections and published data it was determined what kinds of insects were relevant to include, and which specimens to photograph to highlight remarkable and identifiable features. Using published field guides as comparisons, the layout was selected that would address the type and format of information to be included. For example, written descriptions, the general size of the insects, and the seasons they are generally present will be detailed. The field guide will be sorted into orders, families (where appropriate), genera, and species. Photographs and illustrations will be a key feature to enhance the guide artistically and scientifically. This project is an interdisciplinary effort from biology, art, and design students. This work also represents a conglomeration of years of collection, identification, and research to assemble a field guide representing the insects of Capitol Reef National Park.