The thesis is the first complex research of taxonomic and chorological structure, ecotopic preferences, trophic relationships, life cycles and phenology, peculiarities of distribution in the mountainous altitudinal zones and patterns of the high-altitude zonal ecological complexes formation, as well as bioindication value and conservation of Noctuoid moths of the Ukrainian Carpathians.
As a result, 582 species from 270 genera, 48 tribes, 34 subfamilies and 4 families of Noctuoidea superfamily were registered in the Ukrainian Carpathians. 65 species have been registered here for the first time. Among them, one species recorded for the first time in the all Carpathians; 11 species recorded for the first time on the territory of Ukraine; 5 species – in the mainland part and 17 – in the Western region of Ukraine.
It is established that the Noctuoid moths of the Ukrainian Carpathians form a complex conglomeration of zoogeographical elements with diverse origins, and the mutual existence of which emphasizes the significant diversity of natural conditions of the studied area. Features of seasonal development, phenology and life cycles of Noctuoidea within the conditions of the Ukrainian Carpathians have been studied. It was found, that the vast majority of them develop within one year and they are univoltine in the region. There have been found only 25 multivoltine species in the foothill zone. Hibernation is characteristic for all resident species of the region, it is mostly obligate and possible at all stages of development, but predominates at the larval and pupal stages. Aestivation is known in 106 univoltine species, for which it is obligatory at the preimaginal stages and mainly optional at the adult stage. 92 univoltine species have a complex prolonged diapause. Noctuoid moths of the Ukrainian Carpathians form 15 phenological complexes that combine species with similar flight periods of adults and life cycles.
The vast majority of Noctuoid moths of the studied region are feeding on the imago stage and there are trophically non-specialized. At the larval stage, most of Noctuoidea are phytophagous, polyphagous and associated with the vegetation of the grass storey. The leading role in the nutrition of Noctuoidea belongs to the representatives of 12 families of 10 orders and 2 classes of vascular plants. The regularity of preference of the most taxonomically rich and widespread plant families is noted.
It is established that the species composition of Noctuoidea in the Ukrainian Carpathians varies by altitude gradient and differs significantly in different altitude zones. In general, 6 separate high-altitude zonal ecological complexes are formed here. Each complex differs in the characteristic ratio of different trophical, phenological, chorological and ecotopical groups, as well as constant species composition, in particular the presence of a number of exclusively or mainly inherent species. The main patterns and ecological factors that determine the distribution pattern of Noctuoidea generally in the region, and in altitude zones in particular, as well as the formation of their ecological complexes are highlighted.
The practical value of Noctuoidea of the Ukrainian Carpathians, has been assessed. 5 found species are the basic pests of crops, and 3 species are considered main garden and forest pests. At the same time, the especially great bioindication value of Noctuoid moths was noted. Thence, 202 sthenotopic and vulnerable species are identified to correspond all the criteria for an ecosystem status indicators and they could be used in nature conservation practice.
It was shown that the main reason for the decrease of Noctuoid moths diversity in the region is negative changes in their habitats, both anthropogenic and natural (demutation), due to the decline of traditional management. Conservation of the most valuable natural areas, ensuring dosed pastoral and haymaking pressure on non-forest ecosystems, control over compliance with the ban on burning dry grass, as well as rules for the use of pesticides can be the key to successful protection of Noctuoidea in the Ukrainian Carpathians.
