Diversity of geometrid moths in two Neotropical rain forests

The diversity of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) was investigated in two tropical montane cloud forests in southern Ecuador and in central Costa Rica. The study covered an elevational range from c . 1000 to 2700 m.a.s.l. in both locations. Data were analyzed for eight sites, representing four elevations in each of the two study areas. A total of 770 species (4569 specimens) were sampled in Ecuador vs. 503 in Costa Rica (7303 specimens). Sampling was incomplete and it is expected that more species will be found in both areas. Moth diversity was extremely high in Ecuador and almost invariably higher than at comparable elevations in Costa Rica. Values of Fisher's α index ranged between 70 and 131 in Ecuador, and between 31 and 83 in Costa Rica. An analysis of rarefied species numbers led to very similar results. At a level of 390 rarefied specimens, the range was 131–179 species at the Ecuadorian sites, vs. 77–140 at the Costa Rican sites. Only 64 (5.3%) out of the total of 1209 species were common to both areas. The results of this study underline the fact that the tropical Andean mountains are one of the “hot spots” of local diversity of geometrid moths, and that the threatened Andean cloud forests should be given the highest priority in conservation policy. Similarly, countries like Costa Rica, which are already actively engaged in nature conservation, may find additional motivation in the present results to continue their efforts.