First checklist of, observations on the moth diversity (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) in and around Jaipur city, Rajasthan, India

Ramu Savita^1*, MM Trigunayat²

¹ Research Scholar (CSIR UGC NET JRF), Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

² Head, Department of Zoology, Government RD Girls College, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The present study deals with the inventorisation of moth fauna recorded from the selected habitats of the Jaipur city. A preliminary first checklist of moths of Jaipur is prepared. The study identifies 28 species of moths belonging to 28 genera from five families and 15 sub-families grouped into four superfamilies. Four sites were studied in which University of Rajasthan Campus contributed comparatively more species richness and diversity than the other sites, lowest being Mansarovar area.

Keywords: insecta, lepidoptera, checklist moths, Jaipur

Introduction

India is very rich in terms of biological diversity. 8.1% of global diversity due to its characteristic bio geographic location diversified climatic conditions and enormous ecological diversity. Insects comprise more than half of the world’s well-known animal species ^[1] of which the second largest and more diverse order is Lepidoptera of class Insecta ^[2]. Major part of Lepidoptera (Gk. Lepis – scale, ptera – wing) includes moths and butterflies. Skippers also included in Lepidoptera.

Moths play a considerable role in the natural ecosystem as pollinators and as element in the food chain; on the contrary, their larvae are measured the major insect pest in agricultural fields. Latest estimation report over 1, 35, 700 species of moths from all over the world ^[3] of which over 12000 species were documented in India ^[4]. These species have created a network of trophic relationships between autotrophs and heterotrophs, which are included in the stages of larvae, pupae and adults. Larvae and pupae are links in the diets of a variety of birds and parasitic entomophagous insects. The adults are also included in food webs in a much broader range of consumers (including birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.) ^[5]. The present study was carried out at four locations in Jaipur city and reflected 28 species belonging to five families and 15 sub-families. Out of the four sites studied, University of Rajasthan Campus (UoR Campus) contributed comparatively more species richness than the other sites, lowest being Mansarovar area (MSA).

Materials and Methods

Sampling sites were located in different geo-morphological territorial areas, with potentially diverse fauna. Following methods were used for collection

1. Net swiping method,
2. Light trap method,
3. Hand picking method.

The present study was carried out from October 2018 to October 2019. Moths were collected seasonally (pre monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon). Collection were made as per the methods mentioned above, following Opportunistic search in selected areas of Jaipur city viz., UoR Campus, Ramnivas Garden (RNG), Jhalana Area (JA) and MSA. The highest population of moths was recorded at UoR Campus followed by RNG, JA and MSA respectively. Sampling carried out twice in a week. For the duration of opportunistic search all the potential microhabitats i.e. leaves, tree bark, bushes, shrubs, herbs/grasses, ceiling/wall and under street light posts were searched at evening hours (6-10 pm). A 160W mercury vapor bulb over a 3x3m² white cloth sheet was used for light trap during the same period of time. The cloth sheet was hung between two vertical poles. The moths sitting on the white cloth were photographed by CANON 700D DSLR camera [lens 18-250mm most commonly used] and spot unidentified moths were then captured and transferred into the killing bottles saturated with ethyl acetate and later were stretched properly, dried and pinned in wooden box using entomological pins of different size. Moth were then stored carefully for further study and species identification. Wing size measurements were completed in millimeters by measuring the length of the distance between the two forewing tips. Identification was done through (Hampson, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896) ^{[6, 7, 8, 9]}; (Bell & Scott, 1937) ^[10]; (Shubhalaxmi, 2018) ^[11]; various web resources; pictorial data and other literature were also used.

Survey and Study Sites

Surveys were conducted weekly and fortnightly at the proposed sites seasonally. Sites were selected on the basis of size, longitude, vegetation etc. using a stratified unsystematic sampling method. Sites were surveyed in random order through the field season to avoid any spatial predetermined conclusion. Mainly four sites were focused in the present study and others were visited opportunistically.

1. University of Rajasthan Campus (UoR Campus)
2. Ramniwas Garden (RNG)
3. Mansarovar Area (MSA) [Rose Garden (RG) and Woodland Park (WP)]
4. Jhalana Area (JA)

Table 1: The diversity of moths was studied in the following transects. Table shows collection of data

Map showing study locations

Fig 1: Locations of the study area; arrows indicate sampling areas. (Pic source: google earth, not to scale)

Different Collection Points of Sampling

Vegetation surveys: Daytime vegetation surveys were conducted within a week of each moth survey. Various sampling sites where moth collection was conducted

Fig 2

Result and Discussion

The present study is a first report for the Jaipur City of Rajasthan. The study revealed 28 species that belongs to 28 genera, five families and 15 sub-families. Few other species that are unidentified yet are not being included in the list. The list will be further updated after the final identification and comprehensive results shall be communicated in future.

Table 2: Family wise breakup of the species recorded during survey

Fig 3: Pie chart depicting the number of species

Table 3: Checklist of moth species, identified from the study area:

*most commonly found species

^#Erebidae is the most dominant family; ^$high species richness.

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