Study on the Heteroceran Lepidoptera (Moth) Biodiversity of Some Species of Family Tortricidae, Sphingidae & Noctuidae from Bariyatu, Ranchi, Jharkhand

ABSTRACT

Heteroceran lepidoptera (moth) are common pests over plant groups and damage leaves, stems, flowers and fruits. A study was carried in Bariyatu, Ranchi between January 2011 and December 2011. A total 11 species belonging to three families (Tortricidae, Sphingidae and Noctuidae) were collected to get the biodiversity. The timing of collection of moths was between 6 PM to 9 PM in weekdays. The statistical interpretations were done using Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Shannon’s equitability and Jaccard’s coefficient. The ecological parameters taken for this work were maximum and minimum temperature, average humidity, wind speed and average rain in year 2011 at the site of work. Biodiversity of moths with their host plants was observed and finally the species richness value (Shannon, 1948) calculated was 2.35. The species richness data of Shannon-Wiener diversity index lies between 1.5 and 3.5. Therefore, this value of species richness indicates a good biodiversity of moth and interactions with their host plants in various ecological conditions and indicating the Bariyatu as a good habitat for moth biodiversity.