Diversity and distributional pattern of family Geometridae (Lepidoptera) in Great Himalayan National Park

Abstract

Lepidoptera is a large and diverse group of insect which includes moths (Heterocera) and butterflies (Rhopalocera). The current study aims to give a clear idea of the diversity and distribution pattern of Geometrid moths in the area which will act as a database for future works. It will also assess the environmental factors governing the distribution pattern of Geometrid moths across different vegetation and habitat type in the study area. Understanding the response of Summary moth fauna with respect to various disturbance factors will help in the implication of management plans to protect significant habitats. The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) Conservation Area, located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, falls under the North- Western Himalayan Biotic Province- 2A, lies between 31°31’16” and 31°56’41” N and 77°20’ to 77°52’11” E, covering an area of 1171 km2 and showing an altitudinal variation of 1300 m to 6110 m. Among the total sampled moth assemblage of GHNP, majorly 91% species were found to be Oriental origin, while 83.5% species also had affinities to Palearctic region. In the context of Indian Biogeographic Zones and Provinces, only 21% and 26% species were distributed in two Trans-Himalayan Provinces, Ladakh Mountain (1A) and Tibetan Plateau (1B). Almost 80% species were shared with Western Himalaya (2B) as the landscape located close to that province viz., North-western Himalaya (2A), 72% with Central Himalaya (2C) and 45% species with Eastern Himalaya (2D). 45% species were shared with North-Eastern Hills & Valleys.