Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: The present study focuses on the survey and inventory of Geometridae (Lepidoptera) of Hmuifang Community Forest Reserve, Aizawl district, Mizoram. Methods: The study was conducted from October 2019 to November 2020. Specimens were collected using a 160W mercury vapor lamp fitted against a white sheet hung between poles. Pinning, labeling and genitalia dissection was done in the laboratory. Identification was done by referring to relevant literature. Photographs were taken and specimens were deposited in the Entomological Collections of the Systematics and Toxicology Laboratory, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India (MZUEC). Findings: The specimens collected during the study yielded 55 species of Geometridae under 38 genera referring to 5 subfamilies. The subfamily Ennominae was found to be the most abundant comprising 58% followed by Geometrinae 22%, Sterrhinae 9%, Oenochrominae 9%, and Larentiinae with 1%. Among the reported species, Sarcinodes lilacina (Oenochrominae) was the most abundant with 6 specimens. Only a few females were encountered during the study period, the majority being males. The male and female counterpart was found only in 3 species- Hypochrosis hyadaria, Tanaoctenia haliaria, and Sarcinodes lilacina. The variation in abundance between subfamilies might be due to unfavorable habitat conditions and a lack of host plants. Novelty: Geometrid fauna of Hmuifang was updated from 37 to 72 species under five subfamilies. The documented data on Geometridae of Mizoram also increases from 112 species to 132 under 7 subfamilies.

Keywords: Geometridae; Hmuifang; Taxonomy; Diversity; Mizoram