Kristin Winchell

Abstract Cities were once considered population sinks for many species, but it is now clear that they can offer viable and even high-quality animal habitats, and thus have an essential role in maintaining global biodiversity. In some ways, cities are island-like habitats connected by human infrastructure, governed by the rules of island biogeography.

Abstract Moths (Lepidoptera) are sensitive to anthropogenic threats and serve as valuable bioindicators. Despite the remarkable diversity and abundance of Lepidoptera globally, there is a lack of information on how moth species are impacted by urbanization. Notably, very little is known about moths in the largest city of the United States, New York City, where pervasive urban pollutants, artificial light at night, land cover change, and habitat fragmentation are severe.

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