Published Paper Details:

Abstract: The current study reports an assessment of Lepidopteran fauna on rabi crops in an agro-ecosystem of the Jhunjhunu district, Shekhawati region of North-east Rajasthan conducted during the winter season (Nov.2022 to March 2023). A total of 54 species from 12 families were recorded. The Noctuidae family was the most species-rich with 13 species, followed by Lycaenidae with 11 species, Pieridae with 8 species, Crambidae with 6 species, Erebidae and Nymphalidae with 4 species each, Papilionidae and Gelechiidae with 2 species each, and Hesperiidae, Geometridae, Scythrididae, and Plutellidae with 1 species each. In terms of abundance, 1,111 lepidopteran insects were collected. Lycaenidae was the most abundant with 432 individuals, followed by Noctuidae with 242, Pieridae with 150, Nymphalidae with 85, Crambidae with 78 , Papilionidae with 41, Erebidae with 40, Geometridae with 24, Gelechiidae with 8, Scythrididae with 7, and Hesperiidae and Plutellidae with 2 individuals each. Understanding key species and their seasonal distribution can help develop conservation strategies to promote sustainable agricultural practices.