Diversity and ecology of the Lepidoptera in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Roque-Albelo, Lazaro. 2006. Diversity and ecology of the Lepidoptera in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

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Abstract

In this thesis the diversity and ecology of the Lepidoptera fauna of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador are investigated. The study covers aspects of Lepidoptera diversity, their interactions with host plant and their seasonality. Diversity: The Galapagos Lepidoptera fauna is characterized by low diversification, a high level of endemism and prolonged geographic isolation. To date, 313 species of Lepidoptera are known to occur on the Archipelago and 64% of the native component of this fauna is endemic. Humans have introduced 62 species accidentally to the Islands. All Galapagos Lepidoptera are of American origin except the few introduced Old World species that are nearly cosmopolitan. Host plant relationships: Host plant data covering 155 species Galapagos species are reviewed, and new records of larvae of 113 species collected in the study area are presented. Most of the species are herbivores (272), with a few detritivores (13) and carnivores (3). Plants of the families Leguminosae and Asteraceae are the most common hosts for Galapagos species. Monophagy at the plant family level appears to be widespread in Galapagos Lepidoptera. Seasonality: The phenology of adult Sphingidae was studied at one locality in the arid zone of the southern slope of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos for a period of 28 months (April 1999--August 2001). A total of 14 species, representing eight genera, was recorded during this study period. Sphingidae moths were more abundant in the wet season (December-May) with peaks occurring mid season. The number of specimens recorded decreased in the dry season (June-November) with the lowest numbers found in August. The seasonality and temporal stability (in terms of species diversity, population abundance and niche breadth) of this community is analysed.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Biosciences
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
ISBN:	9781303207969
Funders:	UK Government Darwin Initiative for a Survival of Species Project, Terrestrial Invertebrate Biodiversity in Galapagos (Ecuador), Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Conservation Trust (London)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2020 05:52
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/56156

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