scarce vs local

[James J. Kruse]

I think another important dimention to "rare" is: "rare in 
collections". Habitat may be inaccessible to people, the insect may fly
over a very short period when researchers are not normally afield, it
is commonly misidentified as a widespread species, it is easily
overlooked because 10,000 5 inch moths bomb in (ha ha Bruce), the insect
may not be attracted to light, bait, etc. Such a critter would be easily
classified as "rare" but it doesn't mean it is worthy of protection. That
could change of course.

Interesting thread,
Jim Kruse
University of California at Berkeley
Dept. of Environ Sci, Policy and Mgmt.
Div. of Insect Biology
201 Wellman Hall
Berkeley, California, 94720-3112
Voice: (510) 642-7410    Fax: (510) 642-7428
http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/sperlinglab/kruse.html