Photo: This figure shows examples of the diversity of species that form part of the current data set and research published by the Conservation Biology Research Group and the ngo BICREF. (A): Lasiommata megera; (B): Papilio machaon; (C): Acherontia atropos; (D): Pechipogo plumigeralis; (E): Utetheisa pulchella. (A–C) are locally protected species. Photos by Denis Magro, BICREF.
Butterflies and moths, among the Lepidoptera insect order, are well known for their pollination contribution and the survival risks they face in a fast-changing natural environment.
The Conservation Biology Research Group of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at the University of Malta has for years focused on biodiversity research including insect genetic diversity as well and this effort has produced another scientific publication in collaboration with the Biological Conservation Research Foundation, BICREF NGO. This publication focuses on Maltese lepidopteran species and their genetic identity.
The molecular genetics tools used have allowed increased scrutiny into species identification and the discovery of new and additional records for the Maltese Islands, essential for any conservation management requirements. Conservation research and management increasingly rely on innovative techniques to reduce biodiversity knowledge gaps.
Information on these species is frequently used in evaluating the quality of ecosystems. Their utility as bioindicators comes from the fact that these species are sensitive to environmental changes, with the general trends showing that most native populations are adversely affected. Species and population numbers decline with increasing anthropogenic activities including impacts from climate change, urbanization, insecticides and other chemical pollutants, light pollution, and the presence of alien plant species.
At the same time, other lepidoptera species are themselves invasive alien species and are considered as pests to a number of native trees with some expanding in range and abundance with increasing anthropogenic activities. Within this scenario, the current study adds to the local knowledge on the diversity of Lepidoptera, both at species and genetic levels, providing the required tools for accurate and efficient monitoring.
Research funds that allowed for this work to be accomplished include the ENDEAVOUR Scholarships Scheme, Malta awarded to Dr Clare Marie Mifsud and the BioCon Innovate Research Excellence Grant from the University of Malta awarded to Prof Adriana Vella.
This scientific publication forms part of an international special issue on Lepidoptera.
For further information contact Prof. Adriana Vella.
