Distribution and Habitat of the Firefly, Asymmetricata circumdata (Motsch.) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) in the North of Thailand

Abstract

The investigation on distribution and habitat of the firefly, Asymmetricata circumdata(Motsch.) in the north of Thailand were conducted from July 2007 to June 2011. A.circumdata were found in 30 different geographical habitats. The altitude of the study areasranged between 38 and 1,226 msl. The insect collections were carried out from 6:00 pm. to12:00 pm. which adults of A. circumdata were collected by an insect sweeping net. Theinvestigations showed that A. circumdata had the broadly distribution in the north of Thailand,and mostly found throughout summer and rainy seasons. Their abundant areas were found atthe mixed deciduous forests. They were also found in disturbing areas such as urban andcultivating areas. In addition, they were more abundant in the natural habitats which more than50 individuals/study sites were recorded. In contrast, in the cultivating areas and urban areas,the population was less than 5 individuals/study site. This result showed that even though A.circumdata can be found in several different habitats, they rather preferably occupy the naturalhabitats. This indicated that natural habitats have to be protected for the survival of A.circumdata. The distribution map of A. circumdata in the north of Thailand is also provided.

Keywords: Asymmetricata circumdata, species distribution, habitat, geographical map,Northern Thailand.