Faunastic Studies on Smaller Moths (Insecta: Microlepidoptera) of Western Ghats, Kerala

In a study on the Microlepidoptera fauna of Kerala, 77 species of insects mostly belonging to Gelechiidae, Tineidae and Oecophoridae were recorded. The fauna was rich and diverse and contained several new reports to the state and south India. Other than light trap, a new method was followed for Microlepidoptera collection, which is helpful in taxonomic studies. An inventory of 77 species is given with new records; an endeavor for the first time to the state.