Management intensity and habitat structure jointly shape moth communities in Central European orchards

Apple orchards are widespread agroecosystems in Central Europe, yet intensive management can reduce insect biodiversity. Although many studies focus on pest species, the effects of legally defined orchard management regimes on whole moth communities remain poorly understood. We assessed how extensive, organic, and integrated managements of apple orchards influence moth species richness, community composition, functional traits, phylogenetic diversity, and beta diversity in the Czech Republic. Nocturnal moths were sampled from May to September 2025 using standardized automated UV light traps in 18 orchards across multiple regions. Species composition was analysed with partial canonical correspondence analysis. Phylogenetic diversity was quantified using the standardized effect size of Faith’s index. Functional trait relationships were tested with a fourth corner approach, and beta diversity was partitioned into turnover and nestedness. We recorded 6,439 individuals representing 374 moth species. Community composition differed significantly among management types, with the strongest contrast between extensive and integrated orchards. Species richness peaked in extensive orchards, while organic and integrated orchards showed nearly identical richness. Phylogenetic diversity did not differ among management regimes and matched null expectations, indicating lineage independent species turnover. Trait analyses revealed only a weak management effect, with one significant association linked to lichen oviposition typical of older trees in extensive orchards. Total beta diversity varied significantly among management types and was driven mainly by species turnover. Our findings show that management intensity affects moth communities primarily through species replacement rather than functional or phylogenetic filtering. Structural habitat features such as tree age, bark properties, and the herb layer appear more influential than management labels, highlighting the need for orchard policies that support habitat heterogeneity and structural complexity.