RESULTS OF THE STUDY OF THE LIGHT FLY FAUNA (LEPIDOPTERA, PYRALOIDEA) OF THE "MYKHAYLIVSKA TSILINA" NATURE RESERVE IN 2022

Background. Studies of the nocturnal Lepidoptera fauna of the Mykhailivska Tsilyna reserve were fragmentary until 2000. The species composition of most butterflies groups still remain unexplored on this territory. In addition to the butterflies of the bombycoid complex the fauna of only Pyralidae family has been studied in detail on the territory of the reserve. Studies of pyralids species composition on the Mykhailivska Tsilyna territory began in 2002 and continue to this day (Govorun, 2009-2021; Govorun, Parkhomenko, 2003; Nadvorny, 1993). The paper presents a general list of registered Pyralidae species and the results of its study in 2022. Methods. The moths were collected during three trips: July 13-15, July 29-31, August 27-28, 2022, in Velyki Luky village (in the area of ​​the reserve's field office, 50°44′44″N, 34°9′48″E), as well as in the steppe area (50°44'53.7"N, 34°10'55.7"E). With the onset of dusk, one or two 250 W mercury arc lamps were turned on, fixed at a height of 2-2.5 m from the soil surface against the background of white screens. The caught butterflies were immediately placed in mordants filled with ethyl acetate. At dawn, the lights were turned off. Insects were mounted on entomological needles or placed in mattresses for further identification. Results. A total of 367 fireflies were collected in the reserve during the year. In total, 55 Pyralidae species from 2 families and 8 subfamilies were discovered in 2022. Materials from previous years that were not included in previous publications were also processed. Сonclusions. The work planned in the territory organization project to reduce tree cover and remove forest belts will likely lead to a biodiversity decrease on this territory. At the same time, further overgrowth of the steppe will reduce the butterfly species number, the development of which is associated with steppe vegetation. In our opinion, it is necessary to stop and prevent further afforestation of the reserve territory. This can be done by applying one of the following methods: periodic mowing of steppe areas that are still preserved; moderate grazing of cattle; introduction into the territory and provision of living conditions for a wild population of large ungulates; periodic controlled burning of individual areas in the fall.