BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS (ORDER: LEPIDOPTERA) IN PULAU TINGGI, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Pulau Tinggi is a relatively unexploited island located in the middle arc of the Seribuat Archipelago in Johor, Malaysia. This study is the first to record species of moths and butterflies (Order: Lepidoptera) on the island. Specimens were collected between April and August 2019 through passive sampling methods such as light and baited traps. Active sampling was also done opportunistically using aerial nets. The results showed that Lepidopteran on the island has a high species richness and abundance. A total of 624 individuals from 121 species of Lepidoptera were identified. Out of that, 105 species were butterflies and 16 were moths. The Shannon-Weiner Index (H’) value for both butterfly and moth was 4.29. Evenness, measured using Shannon Equitability Index (EH) was valued at 0.89. Gauging the diversity of fauna in a relatively unexplored island such as Pulau Tinggi is important for properly managing its natural resources. In the near future, activities such as entomotourism may be done in the area to support the local economic ecosystem while ensuring the conservation of the island’s biodiversity.