CHECKLIST OF MOTH FAUNA (LEPIDOPTERA: HETEROCERA) FROM PANVEL, NAVI MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, WEST COAST OF INDIA

The purpose of this study was to examine the species diversity of moths from Panvel and to contribute to the development of ideas for future research into the impact of anthropogenic stress on moth diversity. The study was carried out from May 2020 to April 2021 for a period of one year. Study sites were selected on the basis of strategic locations and their habitat closeness to ongoing construction of Navi Mumbai International Airport and anthropogenic activities. Moths were surveyed by systematic and opportunistic field visits during day time and with use of light traps during night. Instead of collection of representative species, moths were photographed and primary identification was done using colour photographs. A total of 45 moth species representing 41 genera, 25 subfamilies, 11 families and 6 superfamilies were recorded. Family Erebidae includes most of the species (19) followed by the families Noctuidae and Sphingidae (6 species of each) and Geometridae (4). Families Saturniidae, Uraniidae and Crambidae each includes 2 species where as remaining four families were represented by one species each. Species diversity of moths from Panvel is dominated by species of Erebidae, Noctuidae, Sphingidae and Geometridae. Long term monitoring and more comprehensive study is recommended to record the entire moth fauna from Panvel, Navi Mumbai. Sustainable use and conservation of the natural resources of the region will help to increase the overall biodiversity of the Navi Mumbai. This checklist will act as a baseline for more comprehensive work in future on diversity of moths from this region.