TAXONOMY AND ECOLOGY OF SOME SINGAPORE MANGROVE MOTHS

Abstract

Eight species of moths, Hymenoptychis sordida, Zeller, Tatobotys janaplalis, Walker, T. aurantialis, Hampson, (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)i Aucha villiana (Swinhoe), A. sp. 2, A. sp. 3, A. sp. 4 and Erastoides sp. 1 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were obtained from Singapore mangroves. Genitalia of both sexes are described. Wing maculation and venation are redescribed using modern venational nomenclature. Illustrations, keys, habitat and distribution where relevant are presented. Pyralid larval habits and chaetotaxic characters were also examined. The larvae are ground dwellers and subject to tidal inundation. A study of the flight activity of the eight species of moths was made. That of Hymenoptychis sordida was found to coincide with the tidal cycle-peaking at neap tide and declining gradually towards spring tide