New distribution and range extension records of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from two western Himalayan protected areas

Abstract

\xa0This article presents new distribution and range extension records (including new records from the state of Uttarakhand) of 12 species of the Geometridae family along with their taxonomic records. The records are based on field collections, where sampling was done along elevation and vegetation gradients in the buffer zones of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, two prominent protected areas in the western Himalayan Indian state of Uttarakhand. DNA barcoding was performed for some of the species for confirmation of identification in addition to the morphological identifications. Voucher specimens are deposited in a public repository for future reference.\xa0