Diversity paterns and seasonality of hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)  from northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India

Aditi Sunil Shere Kharwar

doi:10.11609/jott.7511.14.11.22105-22117

Diversity paterns and seasonality of hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) from northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India

Citation

Shere Kharwar A S (2023). Diversity paterns and seasonality of hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) from northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Gokhale Education Society. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7511.14.11.22105-22117 accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-12.

Description

As most of the biodiversity studies report the abundance and enlist the species, there is severe data deficiency in understanding the diversity patterns. The present study was designed to carry out periodic diversity assessments to understand the trends in diversity patterns of hawk moths. The study was carried out in the Northernmost part of the Western Ghats, which majorly comprise of the Nashik district. Seven sampling stations were identified and periodic visits to these places were carried out over the span of five years (2011-2015). A total of 463 moths were recorded belonging to 18 species, represented by 10 genera. A new record for Western Ghat, Theretra sumatrensis (Joicey & Kaye, 1917) from the Western Ghats, Theretra sumatrensis (Joicey & Kaye, 1917) is reported for the first time along with its DNA barcode. Six diversity indices (four alpha diversity indices and two beta diversity indices) were employed to understand the diversity dynamics. Whittaker’s plot was generated using the Rank abundance suggesting high species evenness for all sampling stations. Maximum diversity was observed during Monsoon. Wani was the most diverse sampling station throughout the study period (Shannon’s Index=2.7132±0.060; Simpson’s Index=0.9273±0.006; Brillouin’s Index=2.252±0.089; Fisher’s alpha=10.9472±1.685). Beta diversity was assessed with the help of Dice’s coefficient and Jaccard’s similarity index. Hence, we recommend rigorous periodic diversity assessments to generate adequate information about diversity that expedites conservational strategies' pace.

Sampling Description

Study Extent

the study was carried out to assess hawkmoth diversity in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra. The field visits were carried out at recurrent intervals and in all seasons to assess the phenology of hawkmoths along with assessing the abundance.

Sampling

Light trap or a simple spreadsheet operated by fluorescent light (Compton 35 W; Philips tornado 27 W 130─320 V) were used. Collection set up was run from around 1900 h to 0500 h. Inverter batteries were used for operating the lights.

Quality Control

A random collection of samples was done, and the specimens were analyzed for confirmation of identification.

Method steps

Collection: Sample moth specimens were collected
Identification: the moth samples were used to confirm identification
Molecular Sampling: In case of new record the tissue in form of legs were procured.
DNA Barcoding: for new record the DNA barcode was generated
Sequence analysis and submission: the DNA sequence was analysed and uploaded on Barcode of Life Datasystems (BOLD) and on GenBank.

Taxonomic Coverages

Records of Sphingid moths (hawkmoths) from Northern Western Ghats

Animalia
rank: kingdom
Arthropoda
rank: phylum
Insecta
rank: class
Lepidoptera
rank: order
Bombycoidea
rank: superfamily
Sphingidae
rank: family

Geographic Coverages

Bibliographic Citations

Shere-Kharwar, A. S., Magdum, S. M., Khedkar, G. D., & Gupta, S. S. (2022). Diversity patterns and seasonality of hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) from northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 14(11), 22105-22117. - https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7511.14.11.22105-22117

Contacts

Aditi Sunil Shere Kharwar
originator
position: Assistant Professor
Gokhale Education Society's HPT Arts And RYK Science College
Gokhale Education Society's HPT Arts And RYK Science College, College Road
Nashik
422005
Maharashtra
IN
Telephone: +919372571926
email: adushere@gmail.com
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5247-6188

Aditi Sunil Shere Kharwar
metadata author
position: Assistant Professor
Gokhale Education Society's HPT Arts And RYK Science College
Gokhale Education Society's HPT Arts And RYK Science College, College Road
Nashik
422005
Maharashtra
IN
Telephone: +919372571926
email: adushere@gmail.com
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5247-6188

Aditi Sunil Shere Kharwar
author
position: Assistant Professor
Gokhale Education Society's HPT Arts And RYK Science College
Gokhale Education Society's HPT Arts And RYK Science College, College Road
Nashik
422005
Maharashtra
IN
Telephone: +919372571926
email: adushere@gmail.com
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5247-6188

Aditi Shere Kharwar
administrative point of contact
position: Assistant Professor
Gokhale Education Society's HPT Arts and RYK Science College
HPT Arts and RYK Science College, Vidyanagari, College Road
Nashik
422005
Maharashtra
IN
Telephone: +91 9372571926
email: adushere@gmail.com
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5247-6188