Inventory of diurnal butterflies in tropical agroecosystems as bioindicators of environmental quality

Abstract

The research study was carried out at the Tiktik Kaanu Indigenous Community, specifically at the Agroforestry Transfer Center (CeTAF), with the objective of describing the taxonomic distribution of the diurnal Lepidoptera captured in relation to their different agroecosystems. As well as to make known, the wealth, abundance, and ecological functions of each taxonomic group. Through an exploratory and descriptive research, an inventory was made to identify the diversity of species existing in the site. The sampling reflected a total of 409 individuals with 41 species of butterflies belonging to 8 subfamilies. the most representative family and subfamily in number of species and abundances were Nymphalidae and Heliconae respectively, being the most abundant Heliconius Herato. Petiverana. There were significant differences in the richness and diversity of the research locations, existing a decrease as the landscape structure changes according to characteristics that influence the butterfly community. It is possible that the change of natural habitats into areas of agricultural use becomes a factor that modifies the structure of butterfly communities in the region. The inventory of diurnal butterflies in the CeTAF area is the first inventory of Lepidoptera that is carried out in the Caribbean area, which is within the Cerro Silva natural reserve in the Rama-Kriol territory that undoubtedly generates a base of important data for the region.