Indexing

Species Composition, Endemism and Local Status of Hawkmoths (Heterocera: Sphingidae) in the two Proposed Expansion sites of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines

Author: Alma B. Mohagan, Romeo M. Tubongbanua, Jr.*, Daniel O. Amper , Aldrin L. Hongco , Fulgent P. Coritico , Felipe S. Gorme, Jr. , Victor B. Amoroso , Ruel D. Colong and Roy G. Ponce

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Abstract

Sphingidae, also known as Hawkmoths or Sphinx Moths, are ecological indicators that are naturally affected by environmental stresses. They have a widespread distribution from Southeast Asia and play significant roles in the environment as indicators of the quality of habitat and biomass degradation. Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary(MHRWS), as the only world heritage site in the Philippines, has been subjected to numerous conservation studies of flora and fauna for several years. There were significant studies on Lepidopterans in MHRWS, but there were no reports on moth species, specifically on the family Sphingidae. Thus, this study was carried out in Sitio Tagtigcup, Barangay La Union, San Isidro and Ecopark of Mansinagan, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental to provide data on the composition, endemism and status of Hawkmoths. Light trap sampling were established using 3 × 4m white silk cloth and 250 V light bulbs in the two proposed expansion sites. A total of 6 genera with 8 s

Keywords

Sphinx moth, Lepidoptera, Light trap, San Isidro, Governor Generoso

Conclusion

The proposed expansion sites of MHRWS are home to 8 species of hawkmoths, which composed 37.5% of the total endemicity in the Philippines. These species constitute 50% local or uncommon species, 37.5% common species, and 12.5% rare in the Philippines. The fact that these hawkmoths are vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances, it is recommended that the two proposed expansion sites of MHRWS be declared as part of the protected area of MHRWS.

References

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How to cite this article

Alma B. Mohagan, Romeo M. Tubongbanua, Jr., Daniel O. Amper, Aldrin L. Hongco, Fulgent P. Coritico, Felipe S. Gorme, Jr., Victor B. Amoroso, Ruel D. Colong and Roy G. Ponce (2019). Species Composition, Endemism and Local Status of Hawkmoths (Heterocera: S