Faunistic studies on moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) of Odisha, India, with an updated checklist

Abstract

Moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) constitute one of the most diverse groups of insects and play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning through their contributions to pollination, nutrient cycling, and serving as bioindicators of environmental change. Despite the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of Odisha, the moth fauna in this state remains inadequately documented. In the present study, we provide a preliminary account of the moth diversity of Odisha, based on photographic records during the year 2022 across various locations and ecosystems. A total of 264 morpho-species belonging to 221 genera across 30 families and 14 superfamilies were recorded along with photographic illustrations. Of which, 145 are identified to species-level, 96 to genus level, and 23 to “nr. species” level. About 60% of the total moth species belong to three major families, namely Erebidae, Crambidae and Geometridae. The maximum number of species were recorded in the family Erebidae (64 species in 54 genera), followed by Crambidae (59 species in 52 genera) and Geometridae (36 species in 28 genera). In addition, an annotated checklist documenting 441 moth species, representing 33 families and 16 superfamilies, has been compiled for the state, providing a baseline for future taxonomic research. This study significantly expands the knowledge of Odisha’s moth fauna, with a total of 101 species reported for the first time in the state. The study emphasizes the importance of exploring the diverse and unexplored fauna of Odisha, particularly in the Eastern Ghats region, to enrich our understanding of the state’s biodiversity.