Historia de vida de seis especies nativas de lepidópteros del bosque montano del sur del Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: Lepidoptera are important to ecosystems for their role as pollinators, prey, and bioindicators. Despite their high biodiversity, their biology remains poorly studied, especially in the southern region of the country. The aim is to describe the life cycle of five native Lepidoptera species in the montane and dry forests of southern Ecuador, including their host plants and the differences between butterflies and moths. 250-meter transects were used for the direct observation and larval collection. The results will contribute to scientific knowledge about the ecology of butterflies and moths, promoting the conservation of these species and involving local communities in biodiversity protection.