Lepidoptera Heterocera records in Western Piedmont region (Italy)

We provide raw data concerning occurrence and abundance of nocturnal Lepidoptera and environmetal covariates that describe the sampling sites. The research aimed to investigate the possible effects of the noise disturbance on moth community. Data were collected using light traps and light sheet methods. The sampling was conducted for 16 nights using light traps following the Before/After-Control/Impact approach, and for five nights using light sheet, during two sampling sessions in July 2023. A controlled white noise was reproduced during the field experiment, and soundscape characterisation was carried out throughout the whole sampling. Environmental covariates (Dataset_2) were provided, including coordinates, temperature, humidity, weather conditions, moonlight, and the A-weighted Equivalent continuous sound levels (LAeq) values, that described the soundscape. The presented data include 129 species and 823 individuals recorded (Dataset_1). The light sheet method was used to observe species without capturing them, providing additional species occurrence data (Dataset_3). These comprehensive datasets are valuable for further investigations into the effects of environmental factors, particularly noise, on nocturnal Lepidoptera communities. The dataset presented contributes to the knowledge of moth communities in the northwestern part of Italy. The environmental covariates can inform other studies aiming to investigate possible different community responses across various geographic areas. Specifically, the soundscape and sound pressure level data provide essential baselines for future field experiments that may examine the impact of environmental stressors, such as noise pollution, on Lepidoptera behaviour, distribution, and community dynamics.