Spatiotemporal Distribution Patterns of Pest Species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Affected by Meteorological Factors in an Agroecosystem

Abstract

Knowing pests’ spatiotemporal distribution patterns is essential for forecasting population outbreaks and designing control tactics or long-term management plans. The family Noctuidae is one of the largest families of the Lepidoptera order. The noctuid’s moths are well represented in all zoogeographic regions in various habitats and have immeasurable ecological and economic importance. Although the species’ ecology has been extensively studied, little is known about the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of noctuid moths in an agroecosystem. Therefore, in this study, the spatial and temporal fluctuations in the abundance of 24 important species in the family were quantified. Yellow light traps were mounted in 11 different selected localities of the Multan district. The maximum species abundance was observed in September but declined in December, January, and February. Spatial contour maps were used to determine the species’ dissemination over space. Meteorological factors such as temperature and humidity showed a significantly positive correlation, while rainfall showed a significantly negative correlation, with species richness. The maximum species abundance was recorded in crop areas as compared to forest areas. This study provides a scientific basis for developing and timely applying control strategies for localized pest control.