Abstract

Insect species diversity with reference to moths [Heterocera] was studied in representative forest habitats (e. g., disturbed but well regenerating and relatively undisturbed) in the Silent Valley National Park, Kerala, India. Preliminary data suggested rich species diversity in well-regenerating forests (2. 42 & 1. 9) as compared to those subject to disturbances such as fire (0. 43) . The maximum number of moths collected belonged to the families Pyralidae, Noctuidae, Geometridae and Arctiidae. Some families, such as Lasiocampidae, Bombycidae and Gelechiidae, were only poorly represented. In general, the fauna bears close resemblance to that of Sri Lanka although it is characterized by the presence of several endemic species having affinities with the Malayan elements. Altogether, 318 species of moths belonging to 19 families were recorded