Abstract. Harmonis, Rahim A, Hidayat HA, Saud OR, Wilujeng M, Sampe R, Kartika KF, Aminudin, Butar TB. 2022. Diversity of butterflies in the tropical wetland of Kayan-Sembakung Delta, North Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3303-3312. Butterflies, which belong to the order Lepidoptera, are considered superior biological indicators to evaluate environmental conditions in various types of habitats due to their high richness in biodiversity, short generation time, good movement, and high sensitivity. Since butterflies produce various benefits for the ecosystem, their conservation currently receives significant attention in order to improve human well-being. However, there is still limited research about butterfly diversity in tropical wetlands, especially in Borneo (Kalimantan) Island. Herein, we identify the diversity of butterflies found in the Kayan-Sembakung Delta, North Kalimantan, which is still unexplored so far. The area was dominated by mangroves, peat swamps, and brackish swamps. The research locations inside the Kayan-Sembakung Delta were divided into 20 groups. The specimen was collected by an aerial insect net and bait traps. The diversity index, taxonomy structure, and domination index were further investigated. The results showed that the highest individuals (69) and species (36) had been found in Pembeliangan. Altogether, we found 608 individuals of 92 species in the areas studied. Among others, the family of Nymphalidae was noted as the most dominant. We stated that the diversity of butterflies was also influenced by the type of habitat, as it could be found at the peat swamp forest where the highest species were found. In the meantime, some unique species have been found in the Kayan-Sembakung Delta, including Arhopala overdijkinki, Hypolycaena thecloides, Drupadia johorensis, Idea leuconoe, and Polyura jalysus. The results of this study are expected to give more information for future management and conservation of the wetland areas, especially in the Kayan-Sembakung Delta.

Keywords: Butterfly diversity, conservation, Lepidoptera, unique species, wetland

ABSTRACT

Heath forest is one unique ecosystem in tropical regions. Many biodiversities and their ecological characteristic in this ecosystem are still unknown by science, including butterflies. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine butterfly richness and diversity indices in every site on natural secondary and degraded heath forests. A field study was conducted in two localities in East Kalimantan, i.e. Muara Badak and Sebulu areas. In every locality was located three sites for data gathering. The butterfly data were collected by capturing specimens using aerial insect nets and baited traps in August–September 2017. In general, the species richness in all sites lacked compared to the lowland forest habitat. During the study, only 200 individuals in 34 species were recorded in total. Calculation of Fisher’s alpha showed the diversity of butterflies in study sites in the range 2.28–16.35. Twenty-four main species spread in the study sites. Eight species showed strong fidelity for degraded heath forest habitats, moreover, Neptis hylas prefer fewer trees, and Mycalesis fuscum prefers denser trees. Meanwhile, there was no apparent taxonomical composition pattern, except family Nymphalidae with subfamilies Satyrinae and Limenitidinae, which showed superior in all sites. Other finding showed that the density of trees was affected to the geographic distribution of butterfly species; the denser trees appeared narrow distribution species, more prefer to Sundaland, and the sites with fewer trees appeared more comprehensive distribution species, more prefer to Oriental Region.

Keywords: Butterflies, Heath forest, East Kalimantan

ABSTRACT

The  kelulut  bee  exhibits  different  behaviors  when  building  nests between species. Tetragonula fuscobalteata is a widely cultivated type of kelulut bee. The collection of this bee colony is generally carried out using various techniques, including nest dismantling, grafting, and baiting techniques. This study aims to provide data on the behavior of placing kelulut bee colonies of the T. fuscobalteata species in new nest boxes and measuring the temperature and humidity in new nest boxes sprayed with propolis extract liquid. This study is an experimental study  by  conducting  direct  observation  of  the  behavior  of  the  T. fuscobalteata  kelulut  bee  colony  in  occupying  a  new  nest  and  the microclimate conditions in the new nest; analysis of colony behavior data was carried out by identifying patterns in adaptation time nest arrangement  activities,  and  changes  in  social  behavior while microclimate analysis was carried out on measuring temperature and humidity data in the nest. The results obtained showed that the behavior of the T. fuscobalteata kelulut bee colony in moving from the old nest to the new nest occurred on the third day after the nest repair and nest-making process in the form of making honey sacs, eggs, and bee bread lasted for five days. The ideal temperat

ure in the nest ranges from 27.7 0C-29.70C, and the ideal humidity ranges from 70%-80%. The results of  this  study  can  be  a  reference  for  kelulut  honey  bee  cultivators, especially the T. fuscobalteata species, about the development of kelulut

bee colonies.

KEYWORDS: Beehive  Microclimate,  Colony  Occupation Behavior, Kelulut Bee Tetragonula fuscobalteata

Gamma-ray irradiation on plant seeds can affect plants’ growth and biochemical content. The application of gamma-ray irradiation can improve the quality of plants. This research aims to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on the germination, growth, and chlorophyll content of sengon. Sengon seeds were irradiated with gamma rays at 0 (control), 25, 75, 125, and 175 Gy dose. Sengon seeds germinated and rared for four months. The study used a one-factor, completely randomized design (CRD). The parameters observed were the germination percentage, seedling height, diameter, and chlorophyll content. The result showed that gamma irradiation treatment can increase seed germination. Seeds irradiated with a dose of 75 Gy had a higher germination percentage than the other doses. Gamma irradiation with a dose of 25-175 Gy had of height and diameter of the seedlings compared to the control. Seedlings irradiated with a dose of 125 Gy had a higher chlorophyll content than other doses. Seedlings irradiated with a dose of 75 Gy had lower chlorophyll content than other doses. Therefore, in further experiment dose of gamma irradiation 25-175 Gy can be used to improve seeds’ viability. To increase the height and diameter of the seedlings, further research is still needed to investigate the effect of other doses on the growth of the seedlings.