Soft landings for tough times: The impact of ground cover associated characteristics on the overwintering survival and fitness of burrowing Lepidoptera

North American caterpillars predominately feed on tree hosts, and subsurface pupation among arboreal Lepidoptera is widespread. Therefore, such species are vulnerable to the microhabitat conditions under host trees during the vulnerable pupation stage. Two distinct patches containing complementary resources, a host plant and pupation microhabitat, are required at different life stages. Current landscaping practices may be contributing to declines in Lepidopteran diversity and abundance, especially in compacted urban environments. Understory plant choice and detritus management following land development characterize subsurface conditions for diapausing pupae. Turfgrass is a dominant cover type chosen for landscaping and creates a novel subsurface microhabitat. If wandering phase cues responsible for pupation site selection are equivalent across substrates with varying overwintering suitability, there is potential for the detection of an ecological trap. My project investigates how the influences of ground cover types on soil compaction, organic matter, and temperature variation impact survival and other measures of fitness in Manduca sexta (Sphingidae) and Anisota stigma (Saturniidae).