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S. Padma*1, N. Kavya2, K.N. Manjula2, R. Athulya2, R.R. Shanbhag2 and R. Sundararaj2
1Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore – 560012
2Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Malleswaram Bangalore-560003
Email: padma.rnd@gmail.com
Received-02.01.2025, Revised-16.01.2025, Accepted-28.01.2025
Abstract: Santalum album L., also known as the royal tree, is a significant evergreen species that contributes greatly to ecological conservation, especially by offering shelter to a variety of organisms, such as moths. To explore the diversity of moth species linked to these trees, comprehensive surveys were carried out in sandalwood plantations across South India. A total of 56 moth species from 15 families were recorded, with 27 species being newly identified on Santalum album. The Erebidae family was the most diverse, with 21 species, followed by the Geometridae family (8 species) and the Psychidae family (6 species). Other families noted include Cossidae and Limacodidae (3 species each), in addition to a species from Crambidae, Eupterotidae, Lecithoceridae, Noctuidae, and Tortricidae. Moreover, the study found that pruned plantations negatively impacted moth diversity and were linked to higher moth infestation levels on the trees.
Keywords: Sandalwood, Lepidopterans, Moths, Pruning, Insect conservation
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