Diversity and Status of Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) found in PC Hills, Leyte (Philippines)

Yıl 2021, Cilt: 2 Sayı: 1, 25 - 37, 30.06.2021

Sean Ed Gregory Igano Ranz Brendan Gabor Baron Arthur Cabalona Numerıano Amer Gutierrez

Öz

Variations in habitat quality is a known factor in the distribution patterns and abundance of butterflies. Research on butterfly population also provide evidence on how vegetation type influence butterfly diversity. This study assessed the Rhopalocera diversity of PC Hills to elucidate the diversity trends in varying vegetation types. PC Hills (Philippines) is a relatively undisturbed area of forests and rivers, transect sampling technique was applied in monitoring and documenting the butterflies’ species richness and diversity. Three transects were established based on vegetation type: agroecosystem, dipterocarp forest, and riparian ecosystem. eight sampling sessions resulted to seven hundred forty-six individuals observed, of which twenty-two Rhopalocera genera were identified morphologically. Thirty-five voucher specimen were classified to the species taxonomic level using DNA Barcoding. The highest diversity level was observed in the third transect (H’ = 3.0449), followed by the second transect (H’ = 2.7876) and the lowest being in the first transect (H’ = 2.3593). Of the 36 species of butterflies, only Notocrypta paralysos volux was categorized by IUCN conservation status as Vulnerable. This study indicates that butterflies are likely to inhabit dipterocarp and riparian vegetation types which then influences their species composition and diversity.

Anahtar Kelimeler

diversity, DNA barcoding, morphology, Rhopalocera

Teşekkür

The researchers wholeheartedly express their sincerest gratitude to the following persons in one way or another, made this study possible. We would like to thank Mr. Rodrigo Miralles, for his help with the GPS coordinates and Topographic Maps. We also extend our gratitude to Mr. Wilmar Mullon, Neufranco Niño P. Zamoras, Jemer Japag, and Joseph Remoto who accompanied us during our sampling collections. We would also like to extend our thanks to Mr. Carlo Chris Apurillo of the Center for Research in Sciene and Technology for his assistance by providing us resources to conduct DNA Barcoding. To Nico Quimsing, Iana Jane Puayap, and Ms. Donnabelle M. Conde for helping us do some final preparations. Lastly, we thank our families for supporting us all throughout the whole research especially when financial assistance was needed. To all other people who, by simple yet meaningful ways, inspired us to make this research a reality.

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