Proceedings of International Conference on Biodiversity: IBD2019 (2019); 102 - 115 Diversity of Caterpillars (Order Lepidoptera) in KhaoYai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Province Paradorn Dokchan1,2*, Nanthasak Pinkaew1, Sunisa Sanguansub1 and Sravut Klorvuttimontara3 1Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University KamphaengSaen Campus, Kamphaeng Saen Dictrict, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand 2Environmental Entomology Research and Development Centre, Faculty of Agriculture at KamphaengSaen, Kasetsart University KamphaengSaen Campus, KamphaengSaen District, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand 3Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand *Corresponding author e-mail:
[email protected] Abstract: The study of caterpillars diversity was started by sampled caterpillars from 500 meters line transect every 100 meters above mean sea level from 100 meters above mean sea level thru 1,200 meters above sea level in KhaoYai National Park. Caterpillars were sampled every month from January 2017 – June 2017. A total of 3,434 specimens were identified to 86 species, 55 genera, and 19 families and 37 morphospecies. The most abundant species was Euremablanda (n=1,280). The highest diversity was found in 500 meters above mean sea level (H'= 2.66) and the similarity of caterpillar that occurred in different elevation was low. Keywords: caterpillars, elevation, diversity, KhaoYai National Park. Introduction Khao Yai National Park is a Thailand's first national park, it is the third largest national park in Thailand. Situated mainly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Khao Yai is part of Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a world heritage site declared by UNESCO. In at least five different forest type, Khao Yai National Park has complex ecosystem with richness of plant and animal such as mammal bird reptile and insects.