Abundance and richness of Arctiinae moths throughout the night in a Cerrado area

Abstract: The main goal of this work was to investigate how the abundance and richness Arctiinae moths varies over time, during night. Specifically, we analyzed following questions: (1) Is there a relationship between with temperature relative humidity? (2) What are hours activity each species moth? (3) Does composition differ night? (4) it necessary sample group throughout night have representative species? We sampled in Emas National Park (17°49’-18°28’S 52°39’-53°10’W), Brazil. selected seven sampling points an area savanna. At point, collected light trap (with 15-W black fluorescent bulb), reflected white cloth (2 x 3 m) extended vertically. consecutive nights (one from December 13 19, 2012, 7 p.m. until a.m.). divided samplings twelve periods night, hour each. period measured humidity digital termohygrometer. 149 individuals belonging 17 moths. Most (70.5%) were active only for one or two at differed terms time activity. higher occurred 8 p. m. (44 individuals), followed by 38 9 23 10 also early variable that showed positive significative moth abundance. not influenced neither nor air humidity. possible causes peak specific discussed.