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Home , Acosmeryx, Acosmeryx anceus, Ambulyx, Hippotion, Hippotion rosetta, Marumba

Biodiversity Journal, 2020,11 (2): 623–630 https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.623.630

Endemism of ( ) in the Agroecosystem of Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philip-

Michelle Senobin-Suelo¹* & Alma B. Mohagan²

1Central Mindanao University (CMU), Musuan, Bukidnon 8710, 2Faculty of the Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon 8710, Philip- pines *Corresponding author, email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Sphinx , or also known as hawkmoths, clearwing moths or moths, are noc- turnal which plays an essential role in the stability of terrestrial ecosystems. There are 117 of sphinx moth occurring in the Philippines of which 62 species can be found in Mindanao Island. The light trap sampling technique was employed to successfuly collect cre- puscular sphinx moths species. This paper aimed to provide information on species composi- tion, endemism, local status and morphological of sphinx moths in Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. A total of 25 individuals of sphinx moths were documented, which belongs to 9 genera of 13 species namely , anceus subdentata, convolvuli, johnsoni, Amplypterus panopus mindanaoensis, Amplypterus pano- pus panopus, boerhaviae, , ambroinicus luzoni, Psilo- gramma menephron, clotho, and . Of the 13 species, the local status revealed that 11 species are common, 1 species rare and 1 species un- common. Twelve (12) or 92.3% species are endemic to the Philippines.

KEY WORDS Lepidoptera; Mindanao; Moth; Sphinx; Philippines. Received 15.04.2020; accepted 26.05.2020; published online 30.06.2020

INTRODUCTION of Lepidoptera, they are thought to be the second largest in class insecta (Tujuba et al., 2019), Sphinx moth is also known as hawkmoths, with most of them being biomass converters and clearwing moths and hummingbird moth. Hawk- (Mohagan et al., 2019). Sphinx moth moths plays a crucial role on the stability of terre- belongs to the family Sphingidae comprising about strial ecosystems (Primo et al., 2013). They are 1,450 species all over the world (Singh, 2017) and important nocturnal pollinators (Mohagan et al., 117 species are occuring in the Philippines, of 2018; Chiquetto et al., 2018)) in most of the biodi- which 24 are Philippine endemic species and 10 verse regions on the earth and an ideal organism ex- are Philippine endemic subspecies that are widely ploring niches (Johnson et al., 2016). distributed on the archipelago with some Asian They also served as prey for other higher trophic le- species (Hogenes & Treadaway, 1998). And like all vels like and . other insects, sphinx moths have thorax, abdomen With over 160,000 described species and wings which are densely covered with scales. (Kawahara & Breinholt, 2014; Tujuba et al., 2019) They are distinguished among others because of 624 MICHELLE SENOBIN-SUELO & ALMA B. MOHAGAN

their rapid flying ability, which can reach up to weather was foggy with starry night. The light trap 40km/hr (Akkuzu et al., 2007), bullet-shaped bo- (Fig. 1) was used on to collect sphinx moths dies with long, narrow forewings and shorter species. Light traps were set for ten hours from 6 hindwings and having a long proboscis is the hall- PM to 4 AM in the morning. We used 500 watts, mark of this family (Messenger, 1997; , 12 voltage tungsten bulb powered from portable 1997). generator with the source power of 220AC. A 3m As cited in the report of Rafi et al. (2014), like x 3m white cloth was established where night fly- all other organism, most Sphingidae are highly spe- ing insects. The samples were collected and pho- cialized due to the fact that each species live in ac- tographed. Identification of the collected sphinx cordance with the type of their habitat or moths species was based on morphological struc- environmental status like the availability of their tures and using Hogenes & Treadaway (1998) suitable host plants as well as environmental fac- checklist at Central Mindanao University Museum tors like altitude, rainfall, sunshine and tempera- Zoology Section. ture. Some of the species of hawkmoths are benign in nature and some species possess economic im- portance. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The light trap sampling at Bacusanon MATERIAL AND METHODS yielded abundant moths despite cold temperatures (15°C–19°C). A total of 25 individuals of sphinx The study was conducted in Barangay Bacu- moths which belong to 9 genera and 13 species sanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. The barangay were documented (see Table 1, Figs. 3–15). The clearance and farm owner permission were secured ecological status of sphinx moths based on checklist and approved for light trap sampling. The light of Hogenes & Treadaway (1998) revealed they trap was set in the agroecosystem facing Mt. were all endemic taxa except A. panopus panopus Kalatungan. The farm was planted with corn, cof- mindanaoensis which is widespread in Cebu, Jolo, fee, rice and bananas but some of the original Leyte, Mindoro, Mindanao, Negros, Panay, Polilio plants were retained. So it is still a mix forest. The Island, Romblon, Samar, and Sibuyan. The local water body is just around 5 km and the water is status of the collected sphinx moths species re- clear. It serves as the water source for drinking and vealed that all are common species except 1 uncom- bathing for the community. The original trees pre- mon species (H. boerhaviae); only A. panopus sent are Falcata, Mosese, Dapdap and Tambuyog. panopus is rare species. The temperature range from 15°C to 19°C and the During sampling period, the temperature was

Figure 1. Map of Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. Figure 2. Light Trapping Technique. Endemism of Sphinx Moth in the Agroecosystem of Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines 625

cold and drizzle was observed. Fry & Waring Sphinx moths varied in their sizes. Their an- (1996) stated that light sampling technique is less tennae were proportional to their body sizes rang- productive when it is cold and wet. Local condi- ing from 0.9–2.3 cm, hook ranged from 0.1–0.2 tions such as wind speed, temperature, humidity cm and eyes ranged from 0.2–0.6 cm. The thorax and the amount of time that the trap is operated are consists of three segments namely; prothorax one of the most important factors to consider in ranging 0.3–1.0 cm, mesothorax ranging from collecting sphinx moth species (Jonason et al., 0.2–0.5 cm and metathorax ranging from 0.2-0.5 2014). Areas with habitat disturbance as well as cm. They all vary in color. Forewings ranged from human interactions with the environment could 2.1–7.4 cm while hindwings ranged from 1.2–4.0 also affect the hawkmoth faunal composition (Chi- cm. Legs measured 1.2–3.8 cm, while eight seg- quetto et al., 2018). ments ranged from 1.4–3.7 cm. Spine ranged from

Table 1. Species Composition, Endemism, Distribution and Local Status of Sphinx Moths in Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. 626 MICHELLE SENOBIN-SUELO & ALMA B. MOHAGAN

Figure 3. Amplypterus panopus mindanaoensis (Inoue, 1996) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 4. Ambulyx johnsoni (Clark, 1917) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 5. Marumba ambroinicus luzoni (Clark, 1935) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 6. (Linnaeus, 1758) dorsal and ventral view. Endemism of Sphinx Moth in the Agroecosystem of Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines 627

Figure 7. Theretra nessus (Drury, 1773) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 8. Acherontia lachesis (Fabricius, 1798) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 9. menephron (Cramer, 1780) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 10. Amplypterus panopus panopus (Cramer, 1779) dorsal and ventral view. 628 MICHELLE SENOBIN-SUELO & ALMA B. MOHAGAN

Figure 11. subdentata (Rothschild & Jordan, 1903) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 12. (Drury, 1773) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 13. Hippotion boerhaviae (Fabricius, 1775) dorsal and ventral view. Endemism of Sphinx Moth in the Agroecosystem of Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines 629

Figure 14. Theretra oldenlandiae (Fabricius, 1775) dorsal and ventral view. Figure 15. Hippotion rosetta (Swinhoe, 1892) dorsal and ventral view.

0.1–0.5 cm, while wingspread ranged from 2.6– CONCLUSIONS 9.2 cm. It was observed that availability of food and water affects the growth of sphingid moths. A total of 12 endemic species (92.3%) out of 13 Sphinx moths are also fast flyers. Light trapping recorded species in Bacusanon, Pangantucan, technique was a very useful method on sampling Bukidnon, Philippines were documented, namely: night flying fauna. They are nocturnal and they are Acherontia lachesis, Acosmeryx anceus subdentata, attracted to light. The species of sphingid moths Agrius convolvuli, Ambulyx johnsoni, Amplypterus varied on their color and structure. They have nar- panopus mindanaoensis, Amplypterus panopus row forewings and shorter hindwings. Eyespots panopus, Hippotion boerhaviae, Hippotion rosetta, are present on the forewings and hindwings of Marumba ambroinicus luzoni, Psilogramma some species. Eyespots may resemble eyes and menephron, Theretra clotho, Theretra nessus, and could cause smaller predators to believe them to Theretra oldenlandiae. The local status revealed 11 be the head of larger (Stevens, 2005). common species and 1 rare species, the A. panopus 630 MICHELLE SENOBIN-SUELO & ALMA B. MOHAGAN

panopus. Morphological characteristics are useful ety B, 281. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rapb.2014. in identifying the sphinx moths up to species level. 0970 Messenger C., 1997. The Sphinx Moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) of Nebraska. Transactions of the Ne- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS braska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Sciences, 24: 89–141. http://digital commons.un/.edu/tnas/2 Miller W.E., 1997. Diversity and Evolution of The authors would like to thank Sir Dave Mohagan Length in Hawkmoths (Sphingidae). Journal of the of Central Mindanao University Museum for facil- Lepidopterists Society, 5: 9–31 itating the identification of the species, and the Mohagan A.B., Romeo M. Tubongbanua Jr., Daniel O., Barangay captain of Bacusanon, Hon. Rodelio Amper Aldrin L., Hongco Fulgent P., Coritico Felipe Magbanua Lucero and the land owner Mr. Wilferdo S., Gorme Jr., Victor B. Amoroso., Ruel D., Colong Suelo for allowing us conduct our study. The pri- & Ponce Roy G., 2019. Species Composition, En- mary author is supported by Department of Science demism and Local Status of Hawkmoths (Heterocera: and Technology - Science Education Institute Sphingidae) in the two proposed expansion sites of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao (DOST-SEI STRAND). Oriental, Philippines. Biological Forum, An Interna- tional Journal, 11: 236–240. Mohagan D.L., Solis E., Felipe Gorme Ruel M., Colong REFERENCES Socorro H., Laraga Glenda Z., Doblas,Kathleen Grace S., Paraguas Dave P. Mohagan., Alma B. Mohagan. Akkuzu E., Ayberk H. & Inac S., 2007. Hawk moths & Bergquist Tomas, 2018. Hawkmoths (Heterocera: (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) of Turkey and their zoo- Sphingidae) diversity and Status on selected vegeta- geographical distribution. Journal of Environmental tion types of a protected natural forest (Mt. Hamigu- Biology, 28: 723–730. http:// www. jeb.co.in/jour- itan Wildlife Sanctuary, San Isidro, Davao Oriental) nal_issues/ 200710_oct07/ paper_ 05.pdf and Ecotourist Area (Busay Garden Marilog District, Chiquetto-Machado P.I., Amorim F.W. & Duarte M., Davao City) Philippines. International Journal of Cur- 2018. Long-term stability of the hawkmoth fauna rent Research in Life Sciences, 7: 2684–2690. (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) in a protected area of Rafi M.A., Sultan A., Kitching I.J., Pittaway A.R., Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest. Journal of Con- Markhasiov M., Khan M.R. & Naz F., 2014. The servation, 22: 277–286. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007 Hawkmoth Fauna of (Lepidoptera: Sphingi- /s10841-018-0061-0 dae). Zootaxa, 3794: 393–418. http://dx.doi.org/ Fry R. & Waring P., 1996. A Guide to Moth Traps and 10.11646/zootaxa.3794.3.4 their Use. The Amateur Entomologist, 24: 1–60. Primo L.M., Duarte J.A. & Machado I.C., 2013. Hawk- Hogenes W. & Treadaway C.G., 1998. The Sphingidae moth fauna (Sphingidae, Lepidoptera) in a semi-de- (Lepidoptera) of the Philippines. Entomologischer ciduous rain forest remnant: composition temporal Verein Apollo e.v. Frankfurt am main, 17: 17–132. fluctuations, and new records for northeastern Brazil. Retrieved from www.zoobodat.at Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, 85: Johnson S.D., Moré M., Amorim F.W., Haber W.A., 1177–1188. www.scielo.br/aabc Frankie G.W., Stanley D.A. & Raguso, R. A. 2016. Singh D., 2017. DNA barcoding of Some Indian species The long and the short of it: a global analysis of of hawkmoths based on COI gene (Lepidoptera:Sph- hawkmoth niches and interaction net- ingidae). Journal of and Zoology Stud- works. Functional Ecology, 31: 101–115. http://dx. ies, 5: 35–40. doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.12753 Stevens M., 2005. The role of eyespots as anti-predator Jonaso, D., Franzen M. & Ranius T., 2014. Surveying mechanisms, principally demonstrated in the Lepi- Moths Using Light Traps: Effects of Weather and doptera. Biological reviews 80: 1–16. http://dx.doi. Time of the Year. PLoS ONE, 9. http://dx.doi.org org/10.1017/S1464793105006810 /0.1371/journal.pone.0092453 Tujuba T. F., Sciarretta A., Hausmann A. & Abate G. A., Kawahara A.Y. & Breinholt J.W., 2014. Phylogenomics 2019. Lepidopteran of Ethiopia: current provides strong evidence for relationships of but- knowledge and future perspectives. ZooKeys, 882: terflies and moths. Proceedings of the Royal Soci- 87–125. http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.882.36634