https://cloud.gbif.org/asia/resource?r=geometridae Dr Sachin Arjun Gurule MVP’s K.R.T. Arts, B.H. Commerce and A.M. Science (K.T.H.M.) College, Nashik, Maharashtra, India 422002 Assistant Professor

MVP’s K.R.T. Arts, B.H. Commerce and A.M. Science (K.T.H.M.) College, Nashik, Maharashtra, India 422002 Nashik Maharashtra 422002 IN

sachin.gurule@yahoo.com https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9309-8099 Ms Jyoti Ayodhyaprasad Rajput MVP’s K.R.T. Arts, B.H. Commerce and A.M. Science (K.T.H.M.) College, Nashik, Maharashtra, India 422002 Research Scholar

Nashik Maharashtra 422002 IN

+91 80070 29793 rajputjyoti4444@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8841-8177 Aditi Sunil Shere-Kharwar Gokhale Education Society's RNC Arts, JDB Commerce & NSC Science College Assistant Professor

Gokhale Education Society's RNC Arts, JDB Commerce & NSC Science College Nashik Maharashtra 422101 IN

adushere@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5247-6188 2025-10-06 eng We present the first comprehensive checklist of geometrid moths from the northernmost Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India a biogeographically significant yet underexplored region. Surveys conducted across eight localities between 2022 and 2024 recorded 286 individuals representing 77 species and 9 genus-level morphotypes within the superfamily Geometroidea. These taxa span 46 genera, 20 tribes, and 7 subfamilies under two families, namely Geometridae (73 species) and Uraniidae (4 species). Sampling was carried out across an elevational gradient of 309–1243 m asl using non-invasive light-sheet methods supplemented with opportunistic photographic observations. The most species-rich subfamilies were Ennominae (29 species), Sterrhinae (22 species), and Geometrinae (17 species). Genera such as Scopula, Chiasmia, and Comibaena were frequently encountered, indicating ecological generalism and strong phototactic behavior. Notably, three species—Idaea protensa, Cleora cornaria, and Ophthalmitis herbidaria—are reported for the first time from Peninsular India, thus extending their known distributional ranges. In addition, range extensions of eight species to the northernmost Western Ghats in Maharashtra and a total of thirty species to the northern Western Ghats were recorded. Occurrence GBIF Dataset Type Vocabulary: http://rs.gbif.org/vocabulary/gbif/dataset_type_2015-07-10.xml Diversity Diversity Moths Moths Geometroidea Geometroidea Western Ghats Western Ghats Range extension Range extension This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC-BY-NC 4.0) License. Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 International https://spdx.org/licenses/CC-BY-NC-4.0.html CC-BY-NC-4.0 The dataset covers a geographic range extending from the northernmost point at 20.3911° N, 73.9167° E to the southernmost point at 19.5290° N, 73.7500° E, and from the easternmost point at 20.3817° N, 74.0300° E to the westernmost point at 20.1036° N, 73.3883° E. 73.3883 74.00778 20.3911 19.529 2021-07-17 2024-01-26 phylum Arthropoda class Insecta family Geometridae family Uraniidae order Lepidoptera kingdom Animalia The purpose of this dataset is to provide the first comprehensive checklist of geometrid moths from the northernmost Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, documenting species diversity, distribution patterns, and new regional records. It aims to support biodiversity assessment, ecological studies, and conservation planning in this underexplored region. The Western Ghats of India, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a global biodiversity hotspot rich in endemic flora and fauna. Moths, particularly the superfamily Geometroidea (families Geometridae and Uraniidae), are ecologically important as pollinators, herbivores, and components of food webs. Despite numerous regional studies, the northernmost Western Ghats in Maharashtra remain underexplored. This dataset provides the first consolidated, elevation-based occurrence records of geometrid moths from this region, collected between 2021 and 2024 across multiple localities. By documenting species diversity, new regional records, and distribution patterns, it supports biodiversity baselining, integrative taxonomy, and future ecological and conservation research. Authors are also gratified to Principal and Head, Department of Zoology & Research Centre, K.T.H.M. College for providing necessary laboratory facility. Authors acknowledge UGC and DBT for funding the basic instrumentation facility in the department of Zoology & Research Centre. Authors are grateful to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Nagpur for collection permit (Ref. No. DESK-22(8)/Research/CR-47/3098/22-23 dated 30th January 2023) and Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB), Nagpur for collection permit (Ref. No. MSBB/Desk-5/Research/617/2023-24 dated 15th December 2023) to carry out diversity studies and specimen collection from mountain areas of Northernmost Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Additionally, we are thankful to Mr. Ryan Brookes for his assistance in taxonomic identification of the several moth species recorded during this study. unknown Dr Aditi Sunil Shere Kharwar Gokhale Education Society's RNC Arts, JDB Commerce & NSC Science College Assistant Professor

Gokhale Education Society's RNC Arts, JDB Commerce & NSC Science College Nashik Maharashtra 422101 IN

+919372571926 adushere@gmail.com 0000-0002-5247-6188 Step 1: The moth was collected from multiple sites based on habitat variation and accessibility i.e Kalmuste, Belgaon Dhaga, Saptashrungi Vani, Kalsubai, Kasara, Peth, Waghere Harsul, for morphological and molecular (DNA barcoding) studies for biodiversity assessment. Step 2: Light traps, LepiLed, and sweep nets was used for nocturnal moth collection. Step 3: Moths were captured in bottles, and each specimen was labelled with locality, date, and collection code. Step 4: Specimens were spread, and preserved using entomological pins, and stored in insect boxes to maintain and to avoid contamination or degradation naphthalene balls were placed for identification purpose. Step 5: Each specimen had detailed metadata: Locality, Date, time of collection Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, weather), Collector’s name or team, for accurate analysis. Step 6: Meta Data All metadata and specimen information were entered into a excels sheet. Repeated entries and errors were checked for statistical analysis or publication. The study was carried out in the northernmost Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, across ten localities spanning an elevational gradient of 309–1243 m asl. The surveyed sites included Saptashrungi vani, Belgaon Dhaga, Kalmuste, Waghere Harsul, Kasara, Kalsubai, Peth, Dhodap, Kalsubai. These sites represent a mix of semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, agricultural fields, and peri-urban habitats. Fieldwork was conducted from July 2021 to February 2024, resulting in the documentation of 286 individuals, 77 species, and 9 morphotypes of geometrid moths, representing 46 genera, 20 tribes, and 7 subfamilies under Geometridae and Uraniidae. Random sampling was carried out between July 2021 and February 2024 across 10 sites in the northernmost Western Ghats of Maharashtra (309–1243 m asl). Moths were primarily sampled using a non-invasive light-sheet method (mercury vapor and UV lights), supplemented by opportunistic photographic observations. Randomized temporal and habitat-based sampling ensured broad representation of species diversity with minimal collection bias. Consistent sampling protocols (e.g., same time of day, traps, or light method) were used. Record exact location, date, and environmental conditions to avoid data errors. Ensure proper storage and labeling to prevent mix-ups Dr Aditi Sunil Shere Kharwar 0000-0002-5247-6188 pointOfContact We present the first comprehensive checklist of geometrid moths from the northernmost Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India a biogeographically significant yet underexplored region. Surveys conducted across eight localities between 2022 and 2024 recorded 286 individuals representing 77 species and 9 genus-level morphotypes within the superfamily Geometroidea. These taxa span 46 genera, 20 tribes, and 7 subfamilies under two families, namely Geometridae (73 species) and Uraniidae (4 species). Sampling was carried out across an elevational gradient of 309–1243 m asl using non-invasive light-sheet methods supplemented with opportunistic photographic observations. The most species-rich subfamilies were Ennominae (29 species), Sterrhinae (22 species), and Geometrinae (17 species). Genera such as Scopula, Chiasmia, and Comibaena were frequently encountered, indicating ecological generalism and strong phototactic behavior. Notably, three species—Idaea protensa, Cleora cornaria, and Ophthalmitis herbidaria—are reported for the first time from Peninsular India, thus extending their known distributional ranges. In addition, range extensions of eight species to the northernmost Western Ghats in Maharashtra and a total of thirty species to the northern Western Ghats were recorded. NIL Northernmost Western Ghats in Maharashtra 2025-10-04T15:33:34.630+00:00 dataset Gurule S A, Rajput J A, Shere-Kharwar A S (2025). Diversity of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometroidea) from northernmost Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, with notes on range extension.. Version 1.1. Gokhale Education Society. Occurrence dataset. https://cloud.gbif.org/asia/resource?r=geometridae&v=1.1 https://cloud.gbif.org/asia/resource?id=geometridae/v1.1.xml