Checklist of Butterflies and Moths in Andanan Watershed Forest Reserve, Philippines

Abstract

The lepidopteran entomofauna plays a major role as pollinators and an essential component to food webs in terrestrial ecosystems. The present study assessed the various taxa composition of both butterflies and moths occurring in both riparian and forested systems of Andanan Watershed Forest Reserve. A one km transect was established in exploring the forest area and riparian zone of the three sampling sites. Opportunistic collection and light trapping were employed. One hundred-three individuals from 54 species were collected and recorded from the two superfamilies of butterflies (Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) comprising 65% of the total lepidopterans, and five superfamilies of moths (Bombycoidea, Cossoidea, Geometroidea, Noctuoidea, and Pyraloidea). Among the different families, members of Nymphalidae butterflies were the most abundant, followed by Erebidae moths. Among the species recorded, the endemic birdwing butterfly Troides rhadamantus and the giant silkworm moth Samia luzonica, also endemic in the country, were the largest in size among the lepidopterans in the area. Other endemic species include Tacola magindana, Acrophtalmia leto, Ypthima sempera, and Pareronia boebara. Eurema, Papilio, and Jamides have a higher number of species among the butterflies while Daphnis and Theretra have the highest number of species for the moths, compared to other genera. The lepidopteran fauna in the area is very diverse (H’=3.69; H/Hmax=0.93) despite few anthropogenic activities in both the riparian and forested areas. The results presented here may be potentially used as basis for enhanced local conservation efforts for lepidopterans and ecosystem health monitoring of the entire Andanan Watershed Forest Reserve.