Diversity and species richness of moths in urban green spaces across Guwahati metropolitan city of Assam, India

Moths form a unique group within the order Lepidoptera, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, they act as reliable bioindicators, helping ecologists detect even minor ecological disruptions. Guwahati, the largest city in North East India, has undergone substantial urbanization and environmental changes during the recent years. This study aims to assess the potential effects of urbanization on the diversity and species richness of moths within the urban areas of the city. During the course of the study, 168 individual moths were found in the study area. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index values for moth diversity were 2.47 for Hatigaon, 2.133 for Noonmati, and 1.89 for Lokhra, while the Simpson diversity index values 0.093 for Hatigaon, 0.134 for Noonmati, and 0.153 for Lokhra. The Margalef index was highest in Hatigaon (3.040), followed by Noonmati (2.378), and finally Lokhra (1.518). The Pielou Index values were 1 for Hatigaon, 0.96 for Noonmati, and 0.85 for Lokhra. Given the stark contrast between the city's environment and the surrounding natural habitats, understanding the moth fauna in Guwahati can provide valuable insights into the impact of urbanization on local biodiversity.