The Role of Flora in Preserving Moth Habitats: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

Sujata Saini

The agricultural landscapes of North-West India are characterized by a mosaic of urban areas, gardens, grasslands, fields, small forests, and semi-natural non-forest habitats. Such diverse environments support a wide array of moth species, particularly those within the superfamily Bombycoidea. Understanding the distribution and abundance of these moths is critical, as many species play significant roles in agriculture, either as pollinators or pests. This study aims to investigate the diversity and population dynamics of Bombycoidea moths in this region, with a focus on their conservation and the implications for habitat management. The study was conducted for 176 nights using a light trap to capture adult moths from the superfamily Bombycoidea. The research area encompassed a varied landscape including urban areas, gardens, grasslands, fields, small forests, and semi- natural non-forest habitats in North-West India. Captured moths were identified at the species level, resulting in a comprehensive inventory of the Bombycoidea fauna in the region. The data collected included species identification and individual counts for each moth captured. The light trap sampling yielded a total of 78 species and 664 individuals of Bombycoidea moths. The family Sphingidae was the most prevalent, with 37 species recorded. The captured species were distributed among six families: 17 species from Lasiocampidae, 5 from Eupterotidae, 37 from Sphingidae, 7 from Bombycidae, 2 from Brahmaeidae, and 10 from Saturnidae. This diverse assemblage highlights the rich moth fauna in the agricultural landscapes of North-West India and underscores the importance of these habitats for moth conservation. The study provides valuable insights into the diversity and abundance of Bombycoidea moths in North-West India. The high prevalence of the Sphingidae family and the identification of economically important species emphasize the need for targeted conservation efforts. The findings highlight the significance of faunal studies in informing habitat management and species protection strategies. Effective conservation practices will ensure the preservation of moth diversity and the ecological services they provide, ultimately benefiting agricultural productivity and biodiversity in the region.

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