Odonata and Lepidoptera Inventory in Alas Purwo National Park
KERISDIMAS BIO-CON conducted an insect diversity study in the Pancur Resort area of Alas Purwo National Park in 2022. The research aimed to examine the diversity of Odonata and Lepidoptera species as part of biodiversity conservation efforts within the national park.
Field observations were carried out using the road sampling method along observation trails. This approach allowed researchers to directly observe active insects, particularly dragonflies and butterflies commonly found in open areas and around water sources.
The findings revealed that Pancur Resort supports a relatively high diversity of insects, especially from the Odonata (dragonflies) and Lepidoptera (butterflies) groups.
Odonata Group
The study documented seven dragonfly species inhabiting the area. Dragonflies are important bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem quality because many species are highly sensitive to environmental changes and water pollution. One particularly interesting species recorded during the study was Nososticta insignis, a damselfly known for its sensitivity to water quality conditions.
Recorded Odonata species:
- Lathrecista asiatica
- Orthetrum chrysis
- Orthetrum glaucum
- Potamarcha congener
- Copera marginipes
- Nososticta insignis
- Prodasineura autumnalis
💡 Fun Fact:
Nososticta insignis requires clean and well-preserved freshwater habitats to survive. Its presence in Pancur Resort indicates that the aquatic ecosystem in the area remains relatively unpolluted and environmentally stable.
Nososticta insignis
Lepidoptera Group
The research also documented 13 butterfly species along the observation trails. Butterflies play essential ecological roles as pollinators and are often used as indicators of terrestrial ecosystem health.
Recorded butterfly species:
- Amathusia phidippus
- Cyrestis themire
- Euploea eunice
- Ideopsis juventa
- Appias albina
- Appias lyncida
- Appias nero
- Appias paulina
- Eurema hecabe
- Eurema tilaha
- Leptosia nina
- Jamides celeno
- Troides helena
💡 Fun Fact:
Troides helena is one of the largest and most striking butterflies in Indonesia and is classified as a protected species. Its presence in Pancur Resort suggests that the habitat and host plants required for its survival are still well preserved.
Troides helena
These findings demonstrate that the ecosystem in the Pancur Resort area still supports a variety of insect species, both in aquatic and terrestrial environments. This is an important indicator that the area still maintains good habitat quality and provides a basis for conservation efforts to maintain biodiversity in Alas Purwo National Park.