Insects and mites (Acari) play a vital role in the ecology of forests. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and ecology of insects and mites in forest areas of Telangana. We surveyed six different forest areas in Telangana and collected samples using pitfall traps and sweep nets. A total of 3361 specimens were collected, representing 172 species from 53 families of insects and mites. The most abundant families were Formicidae, Staphylinidae, and Tenebrionidae. The diversity and abundance of insects and mites were significantly different between the forest areas. The highest diversity and abundance were recorded in Amrabad forest (H = 3.15, D = 3.48) followed by Kinnerasani (H = 2.92, D = 3.28), Eturnagaram (H = 2.82, D = 3.16), Kawal (H = 2.77, D = 3.04), Nallamalla (H = 2.63, D = 2.89), and Pakhal (H = 2.56, D = 2.82). The species richness and diversity were positively correlated with the vegetation cover and tree density of the forest areas. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining the diversity of forest vegetation for the conservation of insect and mite diversity and ecology.
Key words: Diversity, Ecology, Insects, Mites, Forest areas, ACARI
|
