A Rapid Assessment of Pronophilina Reuter, 1896 community structure and diversity in the uppermost cloud forests near timberline in Manu National Park, Peru (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)

A rapid assessment of Pronophilina butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) in Manu National Park, Peru, revealed high species richness and diversity in the uppermost cloud forests near timberline. The study recorded 45 species, with Pedaliodes dominating at 70% of specimens. Despite proximity (30 km apart), the two sites showed low Sørensen similarity, suggesting microhabitat or elevation-driven differences. Community structure aligned with log-normal and Zipf-Mandelbrot models, indicating well-preserved ecosystems. Sampling via Van Someren-Rydon traps proved effective for biodiversity studies in cloud forests, offering insights for conservation policies.

Cerdeña, J., Mahecha-J., O., Garlacz, R., Arivilca-Pari, J., Farfán, J., Delgado-Coila, M., Florczyk, K., Díaz-S., V., & W. Pyrcz, T. (2024). A Rapid Assessment of Pronophilina Reuter, 1896 community structure and diversity in the uppermost cloud forests near timberline in Manu National Park, Peru (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae). SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterología, 52(206), 235–250. https://doi.org/10.57065/shilap.899