Maximized sampling of butterflies to detect temporal changes in tropical communities

One important source of variation present in all biodiversity sampling protocols is species detection probability (i.e. the probability of observing a species, given that it is present at a site). In tropical forests, many species have very low probability of detection, and thus they can be easily overlooked. Measuring the detection probability (detectability) of these species is important to determine the sampling effort required to accurately record them. In the present study, the variation of detectability of fruit-feeding butterflies and moths between strata (understory vs. canopy), temporally across sampling months, and in relation to observed abundance were examined in the Amazon and Atlantic forests using models of logistic regression. These results enabled the estimation of the sampling effort required to detect a given fraction of the total assemblage. Species detectability was positively correlated with observed abundance for both butterflies and moths. In the Amazon, most species were more detectable in a specific stratum (canopy or understory). Biblidinae, Charaxinae and Satyrini showed temporal variation in detection probability in Atlantic Forest, with distinct peaks during July-August, November, and March. In contrast, Brassolini and Coeini showed peak detectability in January and March, respectively. The vertical and temporal variation in detection probability means that sampling effort must be applied strategically to the correct seasons and strata to improve the accuracy of results. The estimated minimum sampling effort to detect 70% of the species present in these tropical forests is 428 trap-days in Atlantic Forest and 1435 trap-days in the Central Amazon forest.

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“…; Iserhard et al . ). In these diverse areas, many species occur at very low densities and could be easily overlooked.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Vertical and temporal variability in the probability of detection of fruit-feeding butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) in tropical forest

et al. 2015

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“…As proposed by Francini et al (2011), we expect that with an increased sampling effort, the richness of Hesperiidae will outweigh Nymphalidae. We also expect the richness of Lycaenidae and Riodinidae to increase, since the populations of these butterflies vary greatly over time, requiring longer temporal surveys for adequate sampling of these families (Iserhard et al 2013).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) of Porto Mauá, Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest Ecoregion, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Thiele

Milcharek²,

Santos

et al. 2014

Biota Neotrop.

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This paper presents a list of species of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) sampled in Porto Mauá municipality (27634'S, 28640'W), Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Sampling was carried out monthly between March 2008 and March 2009. After 204 net-hours of sampling effort, a total of 1,993 individuals from 253 species were recorded. With a single additional expedition, eight new species were added, reaching a total of 261 species recorded in the region of Porto Mauá . These new reports and the species accumulation curves may indicate a much richer fauna. The distribution of richness among butterfly families is compared with other inventories in seasonal semideciduous forest areas in the Atlantic Forest. We also discuss the importance of riparian forests of the Uruguay River as an ecological corridor that enables the maintenance of the butterfly fauna on the southern edge of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest Ecoregion. Keywords: Atlantic Forest, connectivity, conservation, seasonal semi-deciduous forest, species richness. IntroductionThe Atlantic Forest is a hotspot of biodiversity Figure 1A). This area was originally covered by a continuous semi-deciduous forest with high biodiversity rates. Nowadays, this ecoregion has the largest area of remaining forest and is home to a large part of the original biota, including several endangered species (Di Bitetti et al. , Ruschel et al. 2007).www.scielo.br/bn http://dx

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“…The probable cause for the low number of Hesperiidae species in the BPWR is the high number of rare species found. It is known that the Hesperiidae species accumulation curves need more sampling events to reach the same stabilization level as observed for Nymphalidae (Iserhard et al 2013). It was also expected that Lycaenidae and Riodinidae species curves did not reach stabilization, because the populations of those butterflies show patched distribution, generally are syntopic with the occurrence of their host-plants (New 1993), have seasonal occurrence, and are very sensitive to environmental fluctuation (Iserhard et al 2013).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) of the Banhado dos Pachecos Wildlife Refuge, Uruguayan Savanna Ecoregion, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Caporale¹,

Moreno²,

Mega³

et al. 2015

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The Pampa is a biome shared by Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Despite its high biodiversity, little is known about the invertebrate fauna. The few inventories done so far were conducted outside protected areas, which could result in underestimated real biodiversity. Thus, species inventories from protected areas should be done to serve as reference for conservation. Here we survey the butterflies occurring in the Banhado dos Pachecos Wildlife Refuge, Uruguayan Savanna, Brazil. Sampling was performed between April 2012 and March 2013. After 288 hours of sampling, 1,508 individuals from 113 species were sampled; five new species records for Rio Grande do Sul state and 12 for the Uruguayan Savanna were found. Richness among families was compared to other inventories and butterfly conservation discussed concerning the conversion of grasslands into croplands/pastures. The evidence presented supports that the Pampa is a fragile environment under the pressure of habitat conversion. Biodiversity studies in fragmented areas are needed to provide essential information for conservation programs.

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Maximized sampling of butterflies to detect temporal changes in tropical communities

Cited by 23 publications

References 17 publications

Vertical and temporal variability in the probability of detection of fruit-feeding butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) in tropical forest

Vertical and temporal variability in the probability of detection of fruit-feeding butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) in tropical forest

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) of Porto Mauá, Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest Ecoregion, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) of the Banhado dos Pachecos Wildlife Refuge, Uruguayan Savanna Ecoregion, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

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