Seasonal Patterns in Moth Abundance and Species Diversity in the Northern Mountainous Forests of Iran

Moth assemblages in mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest (MCBF), Persian ironwood-common hornbeam forest (PCF) and beech forest (BF) were sampled from 2015 to 2016 using light traps in the Hyrcanian forest, northern Iran. The main scope of the current study was to investigate how the abundance and diversity indices of moths varies over time, throughout the year and whether that variation associates with climate factors. We introduce a first faunal list of moths within different forest communities in Iranian ecosystems. We also correlate moth biodiversity indices to the different forest communities in the region. A total of 474 specimens belonging to 84 species and 16 families were identified. The highest relative abundance (47.46%) and richness (34.52%) were belonged in Geometridae family. Idaea sp., Arctia villica L. and Peribatodes rhomboidaria (Denis et Schiffermuller) were dominant in MCBF, PCF and BF, respectively. Erannis defoliaria Clerck (autumn), P. rhomboidaria (spring) and Pyraustinae sp. (summer) were dominant during sampling seasons. Idaea degeneraria , P. rhomboidaria , Schrankia costaestrigalis and Thyatira hedemanni were observed in all sampling seasons. August had the highest values of abundance, richness and dominance indices compared to other months. Besides, alpha diversity indices (except Dominance) had a significant difference during the sampling period for the moths collected in the studied area. A significant correlation was found between the temperature and moth diversity.