Diversity of Moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) Supported by Sandalwood (Santalum Album L.) in South India

Abstract

The evergreen and perennial Royal tree, Santalum album L., is an eco-conservator because it houses a wide variety of organisms. One such group is moths. Intensive surveys were conducted in sandalwood plantations in south India to understand the diversity of moths supported by sandalwood. A total of 56 species of moths belonging to 15 families were found in sandalwood, and the record of 27 moths forms the first report on sandalwood. Out of 15 families, the family Erebidae is dominant with twenty-one species, followed by Geometridae with eight species and Psychidae with six species each. The remaining moths include three species each of Cossidae and Limacodidae; two species each of Crambidae, Eupterotidae, Lecithoceridae, Noctuidae and Tortricidae; and a single species in each of the remaining 5 families. Further, the pruned plantations showed a significantly negative impact on the diversity of moths and greatly influenced the level of their infestation on the trees. Implications for insect conservation: Our analysis provides an effective groundwork for addressing the principle of conservation for not only target insect species but also in general. Further, immediate action is specified for the protection of vegetation and proper maintenance of structural integrity of trees, which directly influences the distribution and habitats of insects.