The influence of agricultural occupation and climate on the spatial distribution of Plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on a latitudinal gradient in Brazil

Abstract Studies have reported the presence of certain Plusiinae species in both natural and agricultural landscapes, but their turnover association with activities remains unexplored. Aiming to understand how assemblages are structured by occupation climate, this study used automated light traps sampled moths 18 sites Brazil, across a broad latitudinal gradient. Our data has demonstrated that climate variables prevails as most important influencing composition abundance its dominant Chrysodeixis includens. On other hand, lack significance found for effect representing evidences pest present ecosystems, also sharing similar abundances at those locations. In words, instead following gradient (e.g. crop sizes around sample sites) these extremely polyphagous insects is more clearly shaped gradient, which temperature precipitation better predictors. Thus, contrary our expectations, inhabits landscapes sites, probably due wide polyphagy spectrum. These results can be management monitoring programs South America, since local variation reliable predicted changes conditions.