Diversity, Abundance, and Habitat Use of Sphingid Moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) in Forest-Agriculture Transition Zones of Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

Sphingid moths are important nocturnal pollinators and their diversity reflects both forest integrity and the availability of larval host plants. Forest-agriculture transition zones represent dynamic habitats where sphingid diversity is expected to reflect competing pressures from forest fragmentation and cultivated host plant availability. This study examines sphingid moth diversity, abundance, and habitat use across a forest-agriculture gradient in Ekiti State's transition zone. Light traps will be operated monthly at 20 sites spanning intact forest, forest edges, cocoa farms, and open farmland over 18 months. Specimens will be identified to species level using current Afrotropical Sphingidae references. Habitat association analysis and indicator species analysis will identify forest-dependent versus agricultural generalist species. Larval host plants will be documented through field observation and literature cross-referencing. The study tests the hypothesis that species richness peaks at intermediate disturbance levels (forest edges and shade farms) while obligate forest species decline sharply in open farmland. These findings contribute to understanding how pollinator-rich moth communities respond to tropical forest conversion, and results will be published and shared with the Ekiti State Forestry Commission. Keywords: Sphingidae, hawkmoths, forest-agriculture gradient, nocturnal pollinators, Ekiti State