INSECT EXPLORERS: PRELIMINARY INSIGHTS INTO THE DIVERSE INSECT COMMUNITY OF KATTUPUTHUR, TRICHY DISTRICT
Kavitha M., Poomani V. M., Latha R., Meenambal M. and Sharmila Banu G.*
ABSTRACT
The main objectives of the study were to determine the insect diversity and relative abundance of insect species in the study area of Kattuputhur and its surrounding. The study was conducted from June 2020 to November 2020, using basic manual collection methods that resulted in the collection of 713 individual insects, belonging to seven orders and 24 families. Diversity was assessed using various indices, including Dominance Index D, Shannon Index H, Margalef's Richness Index R, and Evenness (Buzas and Gibson's Evenness) E2. The results revealed that Coleoptera (20.00) was the most dominant order, followed by Orthoptera (18.15), Diptera (16.79), Hymenoptera (14.66), Lepidoptera (12.42), and Odonata (7.57), respectively. Coleoptera and Orthoptera showed higher dominance compared to other orders, indicating a higher species richness in the area. Insects play various important roles in nature. They have served as a food source for humans for thousands of years (entomophagy). Insects, including honeybees, native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies, act as pollinators for plants. Insects that feed on carrion, such as beetles, flies, wasps, and ants, contribute to the recycling of organic matter and decomposition processes. Additionally, insects help in nutrient cycling, pollination of plants, seed dispersal, soil formation, and controlling populations of other organisms. However, it should be noted that some non-native insect species introduced into new ecosystems can become major pests in agriculture due to the absence of natural biological control agents.
Keywords: Insect diversity, Coleopteran, Orthoptera, Diptera, Odonata.
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