Species composition and assessment of Sphingid moths (Heterocera, Sphingidae) in Mount Malimumu, Pantaron Mountain Range, Mindanao, Philippines


Citation

Tubongbanua, Romeo M. Jr and Hongco, Aldrin L. and Patano, Romeo R. and Acola, Mescel S. and Mohagan, Alma B. and Amoroso, Victor B. (2024) Species composition and assessment of Sphingid moths (Heterocera, Sphingidae) in Mount Malimumu, Pantaron Mountain Range, Mindanao, Philippines. Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation (Malaysia), 21. pp. 40-47. ISSN 2550-1909

Abstract

High diversity of sphingid moth species can be found in tropical rainforests. Mount Malimumu of Pantaron Mountain Range, Mindanao, Philippines, has a vast rainforest, which is a Key Biodiversity Area. However, no records of sphingid moths have been known to occur in Mount Malimumu of the Pantaron Mountain Range. Thus, this study aimed to determine species composition and assess the local status sphingid moths of Mount Malimumu. A 3 × 4 m white silk cloth and 250 V light bulbs were used for light trap sampling. Specimens collected were brought to the University Museum of Central Mindanao University. A total of 20 species distributed to 10 genera in 4 tribes was recorded. At least 8 species are endemic to the Philippines, i.e., Ambulyx bakeri, Ambulyx. staudengeri, Ambulyx johnsoni, Amplypterus panopus mindanaoensis, Meganoton rufescens philippinensis, Acosmeryx socrates, Cechenena transpacifica and Theretra manilae. Uncontrolled anthropogenic activities around the Mount Malimumu of Pantaron Mountain Range such as slash and burn, conversion of forest land to farmlands and overcollection of host plants may threaten these species.


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Abstract

High diversity of sphingid moth species can be found in tropical rainforests. Mount Malimumu of Pantaron Mountain Range, Mindanao, Philippines, has a vast rainforest, which is a Key Biodiversity Area. However, no records of sphingid moths have been known to occur in Mount Malimumu of the Pantaron Mountain Range. Thus, this study aimed to determine species composition and assess the local status sphingid moths of Mount Malimumu. A 3 × 4 m white silk cloth and 250 V light bulbs were used for light trap sampling. Specimens collected were brought to the University Museum of Central Mindanao University. A total of 20 species distributed to 10 genera in 4 tribes was recorded. At least 8 species are endemic to the Philippines, i.e., Ambulyx bakeri, Ambulyx. staudengeri, Ambulyx johnsoni, Amplypterus panopus mindanaoensis, Meganoton rufescens philippinensis, Acosmeryx socrates, Cechenena transpacifica and Theretra manilae. Uncontrolled anthropogenic activities around the Mount Malimumu of Pantaron Mountain Range such as slash and burn, conversion of forest land to farmlands and overcollection of host plants may threaten these species.

Additional Metadata

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Item Type: Article
AGROVOC Term: insects
AGROVOC Term: biodiversity
AGROVOC Term: rainforests
AGROVOC Term: sampling
AGROVOC Term: assessment
AGROVOC Term: conservation tillage
AGROVOC Term: light traps
AGROVOC Term: endemic species
AGROVOC Term: species diversity
AGROVOC Term: threatened species
Geographical Term: Philippines
Uncontrolled Keywords: Pantaron Mountain Range, Key Biodiversity Area, ecological status, Philippine endemic
Depositing User: Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited: 19 Mar 2026 02:31
Last Modified: 19 Mar 2026 02:31
URI: http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2948

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