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GEOMETRIDAE (LEPIDOPTERA) OF CENTRAL UZBEKISTAN: A FAUNISTIC STUDY OF MOUNTAIN REGIONS

Geometridae, Lepidoptera, moth fauna, mountain ecosystems, Central Uzbekistan, altitudinal distribution, biodiversity.

Authors

The family Geometridae (Lepidoptera) represents one of the most diverse groups of moths and plays an important role in terrestrial ecosystems as herbivores, bioindicators, and components of trophic networks. Mountain ecosystems of Central Uzbekistan are characterized by complex relief, pronounced altitudinal zonation, and diverse vegetation types, creating favorable conditions for the formation of a rich geometrid fauna. However, comprehensive faunistic studies of Geometridae in these regions remain limited. The present study aims to investigate the species composition, taxonomic structure, and distribution patterns of Geometridae moths in the mountainous areas of Central Uzbekistan. As a result, representatives of four subfamilies (Ennominae, Geometrinae, Larentiinae, and Sterrhinae) were recorded. The subfamilies Ennominae and Larentiinae were dominant in terms of species richness, while Geometrinae and Sterrhinae were less diverse but ecologically significant. The distribution of species showed a clear relationship with altitude and habitat types, with the highest diversity observed in the middle mountain zone. Most recorded species belong to the Palearctic faunal complex, while several taxa are characteristic of Central Asian mountainous regions.