Occurrence of Eretmocera impactella (Walker, 1864) (Lepidoptera: Scythrididae) in Semra Village, Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Eretmocera impactella (Walker, 1864) is a recognisable microlepidopteran moth of the family Scythrididae that has been reported from several Indian states, but its occurrence in Chhattisgarh had not been documented in the literature reviewed for this study. Field surveys comprising daytime observations and nocturnal light trapping were conducted at multiple localities in Dhamtari District from June 2024 to June 2026. During a daytime survey on 19 April 2026, three adults were observed resting on Bergera koenigii L. in a mixed vegetable agroecosystem at Semra Village, Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh. The individuals were photographed, and identification was based on high-resolution images and external diagnostic characters described in standard taxonomic literature. The observed moths possessed narrow, lanceolate, cupreous-black forewings with four elongated pale yellowish spots, matching the diagnostic appearance of the species. No voucher specimen was collected because a non-destructive sampling approach was followed. No larval feeding or breeding activity was observed on B. koenigii; therefore, the observation represents a resting association rather than a confirmed host-plant record. This study documents the occurrence of E. impactella in Chhattisgarh and adds a regional distribution record for central India. The findings also demonstrate the value of supplementing nocturnal light trapping with active daytime surveys when documenting diurnal or weakly light-attracted microlepidopteran moths.