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Research Paper | Entomology | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 104 - 108 | India
Hidden Wings of Jalna: Diversity and Ecological Significance of Moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) from Jalna District, Maharashtra, India
Abstract: Moths constitute an important component of terrestrial ecosystems and serve as pollinators, herbivores, decomposers, and bioindicators of environmental health. Despite their ecological importance, moth diversity in many inland districts of Maharashtra remains poorly documented. The present study was conducted to assess the biodiversity of moths in Jalna district, Maharashtra, India, during the period from June 2024 to February 2025. Sampling was carried out using light trap methods and opportunistic photographic documentation across agricultural fields, grasslands, urban gardens, and semi-natural habitats. A total of 72 species belonging to 58 genera and 14 families were recorded during the study. Family Erebidae was dominant with 19 species followed by Crambidae (12 species), Geometridae (10 species), Noctuidae (9 species), and Sphingidae (6 species). Seasonal abundance was highest during monsoon and post-monsoon months due to favourable humidity and vegetation availability. The study highlights the importance of Jalna district as a potential habitat for diverse moth fauna and emphasizes the necessity for long-term biodiversity monitoring and habitat conservation. The findings contribute baseline information for future ecological and taxonomic studies in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
Keywords: Bioindicators, terrestrial ecosystems, pollinators, herbivores, biodiversity & Moths
How to Cite?: Dr. Suryawanshi Vijay D., "Hidden Wings of Jalna: Diversity and Ecological Significance of Moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) from Jalna District, Maharashtra, India", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 104-108, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26531120539, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26531120539