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M3=Maths on Morphometry of Moths

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Abstract

Biology and maths are usually seen as “poles apart” interests but amalgamated smartly, they create noteworthy findings. The present study deals with the measurement and analysis of six external body parameters of 430 specimens of moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) of twenty-one species collected from selected areas of Delhi during 2015–2017 using light traps and opportunistic search. The measured body parts were maximum forewing length, maximum forewing width, maximum thorax width, and body length, and the derived units were body volume and wing surface area. A mathematical tool, coefficient of variance (CV), was applied to deduce the most constant variable among them. As a result, forewing length was found to be the most reliable parameter for taxonomic studies.

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Acknowledgement

The author is grateful to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, for the financial aid through Indraprastha Research Fellowship (IPRF: File no.1426 dated September 2013). Sincere gratitude is extended towards institutions like the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi and Delhi University for granting permission to set up light traps in their compounds. The tremendous input of Dr R R. Shashank (IARI, Pusa, New Delhi) on identifying the specimens is highly appreciated. Special thanks to Mr Manish Joshi, Ms Mandeep Kaur, Mr Somnath Sahoo, and Ms Shubhi Malik of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, for their prompt suggestions towards improving the article.

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  1. University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110 078, India

    Monalisa Paul

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  1. Monalisa Paul
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Correspondence to Monalisa Paul.

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Monalisa Paul holds a PhD in environment management from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi. She is also a senior project associate at CSIR-NIScPR and is associated with an NGO, Envirovigyan, working towards imparting knowledge about environmental issues. Her research focuses on the importance of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and their biotic interactions in the urban landscapes of Delhi, providing insights into the significance of wildlife conservation amidst urbanization.

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Paul, M. M3=Maths on Morphometry of Moths. Reson 28, 313–324 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-023-1550-3

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