Relationship between vegetation characteristics and Lepidoptera diversity in the Hyrcanian forest, Iran (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

Abstract

The patterns of diversity of Lepidoptera and its relationship with environmental characteristics in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran have not been investigated so far, while such studies are extremely effective in restoring forest biodiversity. This study aimed to assess the relationships between vegetation characteristics and the abundance and diversity of Lepidoptera in Darabkola forest, Sari district (Mazandaran province, northern Iran). Light trapping yielded a total of 474 exemplars representing 84 species and belonging to 16 families. 31 plant species belonged to 28 genera and 23 families were recorded of three distinct forests in the region. The total number of plant species and Fisher’s α showed the significant difference. The regression analysis indicated that the Lepidoptera abundance was correlated with basal area, diameter at breast height and tree density, although a significant relationship was not observed between plant characteristics and Fisher’s α of Lepidoptera. The lack of a significant relationship between plant diversity and the abundance and diversity of Lepidoptera represents the weak role of plant diversity in creating diversity patterns in forest ecosystems.