Species richness, density and diversity of acrididae in maize ecosystem in southern Rajasthan

Abstract

The present study was conducted to study species richness, density and diversity of acrididae in maize ecosystem in different districts (Banswara, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh and Udaipur) of Southern Rajasthan during 2008-09 and 2009-10. In total ten acridid species from Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh and Udaipur; while, eight from Chittorgarh district were observed. With the maximum Shanon Weiner Diversity Index (2.082), acrididae were most diverse in Banswara district during both the years of study. While, Chittorgarh district was least diverse with the index value of 1.838 and 1.869 during 2008-09 and 2009-10, respectively. The mean and relative density values of acridis varied notably in the maize ecosystem and population of Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus Bolivar was most abundant with a range from 26.87 to 37.85 per cent during 2008-09 and 26.74 to 35.38 per cent during 2009-10, respectively.