Diversity and endemism of Arctiinae moth assemblages in serpentine dry lowlands in Cuba

Little is known about the diversity and endemism of the fauna associated with serpentine ecosystems worldwide. Yet, they are likely of critical importance for the conservation of plant-associated entomofauna such as moths, particularly within biodiversity hotspots. Here, we report new data on the composition of Arctiinae moth assemblages in two serpentine areas in Western Cuba, one of which was surveyed during three consecutive years covering both wet and dry seasons. We surveyed Arctiinae moths using light traps and noninvasive identification of species and performed a census of plants at each station. We recorded 1,369 individuals across 33 species from 37 light-trapping nights/stations in total, representing 33% of Cuban Arctiinae species, among which 27% were endemics. Species abundance distribution was best fitted by the log series distribution at both sites and across years, with endemic species being more likely singletons and doubletons compared to non-endemic ones in the larger and older site. Moth assemblage’s diversity differed between the two sites, although no significant trend was detected in species richness and endemism, possibly due to lower sample completeness for species richness at the larger and older site. Arctiinae moth assemblages were stable in richness, composition, and diversity across years. The trend for higher diversity in the larger and older site, hosting a richer plant community, should be investigated further in a range of serpentine areas differing in age, and size, in Cuba.