Insect faunal diversity collected through light trap at Akola vicinity of Maharashtra with reference to Scarabaeidae of Coleoptera

Abstract

Investigations were undertaken to know the species composition of insect fauna attracted towards the light trap. Observations revealed that order Coleoptera showed a rich population i.e. 41.81% and 35.10% of the total collection for 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively followed by Hemiptera 16.86% and 21.77% and Lepidoptera 12.96% and 12.89%, respectively. 19 species of scarab beetles belonging to 10 genera were found to be the prominent visitors for both the years. Subfamily, Melolonthinae had rich species diversity with five species of genus Holotrichia and Schizonycha ruficollis. Amongst Rutelines, Rhinyptia indica, R. nigrifrons, Anomala varicolor, A. dimidiata, A. ruficapilla and Adoretus bicolor prevailed. Onthophagous gazelle ruled the scarabaeinae fauna. Protaetia aurichalcea, P. teracea, Oxycetonia jucunda, O. versicolor, Clinteria klugi, Heterorrhina micans of Cetoninae were also found predominant in this vicinity. Shannon Biodiversity index for the various insect orders collected was calculated to support the findings.