Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Geometrid Moths (Geometridae, Lepidoptera) in Mongolia

Abstract

Geometrids are a species-rich group of moths that serve as reliable indicators for environmental changes. Little is known about the Mongolian moth fauna, and there is no comprehensive review of species richness, diversity, and distribution patterns of geometrid moths in the country. Our study aims to review the existing knowledge on geometrid moths in Mongolia. We compiled geometrid moth records from published scientific papers, our own research, and from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to produce a checklist of geometrid moths of Mongolia. Additionally, we analyzed spatial patterns, species richness, and diversity of geometrid moths within 14 ecoregions of Mongolia and evaluated environmental variables for their distribution. In total, we compiled 1973-point records of 388 geometrid species. The most species-rich ecoregion in Mongolia was Daurian Forest Steppe with 142 species. Annual precipitation and maximum temperature of the warmest month were the most important environmental variables that correlated with NMDS axes in an analysis of geometrid assemblages of different ecoregions in Mongolia.

Alpha and beta diversity patterns of macro-moths reveal a breakpoint along a latitudinal gradient in Mongolia

“…This study is an important "puzzle piece" in filling this gap for future research.There are approximately 1550 species of Lepidoptera reported in Mongolia 9 ; however, there is no complete checklist available. In geometrid moths, a recent checklist reported 388 observed species, but species richness was estimated to be 663 ± 56 8 . Recently, 21 new species have been recorded from western and central Mongolia 10 and the family Alucitidae was first time reported for Mongolian fauna in 2015 in the Mongolian Altai Mountains 11 .…”

Karabük İlinin Geometridae (Lepidoptera) Faunasına Katkılar

“…Geometrid species are ordinarily nocturnal, they often fly preferably at dusk, others are said to be active mainly after midnight, but some species fly by day. This group served as indicators for environmental changes and appear to be effective at colonizing habitats after natural or anthropogenic disturbances also (Enkhtur et al, 2020). Some species are important pests for agriculture and forestry (Hausmann, 2001).…”

Check-list of Macroheterocera (Insecta, Lepidoptera) collected in 2019 in Mongolia by Russian entomological expeditions

“…A great progress in the study of the Mongolian fauna has been achieved during the recent half a century. A big number of works have been published on the Mongolian fauna of Macroheterocera, including summaries on several groups (Daniel 1965(Daniel −1973Alberti 1971;Viidalepp 1973Viidalepp , 1975Vojnits 1974Vojnits −1979Derzhavets 1977;Viidalepp & Solyanikov 1977;Efetov, Gorbunov & Tarmann 2012;Mironov & Galsworthy 2014;Yakovlev 2015;Yakov lev et al 2015;Morozov et al 2016;Enkhtur, Boldgiv & Pfeiffer 2020). Though the entomological study of the region still remains insufficient.…”

“…this species is mentioned as A. maculata(Staudinger 1892 non Moore, 1868;Enkhtur et al 2020. Selenia ononica I. Kostjuk, 1991;Viidalepp 1996;Enkhtur et al 2020 Isturgia kaszabiVojnits, 1974 -5♂, Lün (IMI); described from Mongolia;? Viidalepp 1975; Viidalepp & Solyanikov 1977 (?murinaria); Vojnits 1977.…”