Diversity in family Sphingidae: Lepidoptera from Sikkim Himalaya

Abstract

The Hawk moths are the most abundant group of the insects belonging to Order Lepidoptera. An attempt was made to record the diversity, species richness, and evenness of Hawk moths inhabiting the Temperate and Sub Alpine Zones of Sikkim Himalaya. The species are known to damage economically important agricultural, Horticultural and forestry plantations. The collection of these insects was achieved through the light-trapping technique and the study resulted total of 22 species of Hawk Moths belonging to family Sphingidae under 12 genera. For the exploration of sphingid moth diversity, there are 25 extreme localities falling in 04 districts of Sikkim were thoroughly explored for the purpose during the month of May and September. The Sikkim Himalaya having very rich diversity of flora and fauna which makes rich diversity of insect fauna to this region.