First preliminary report of diplurans (Diplura: Insecta) from Jharkhand, India

Abstract

Diplurans are an important subterranean macrofauna. Their distributions are highly aggregated form in the soil. They play a very important role in maintaining soil fertility through decomposition and humification of organic matters. The present survey was carried out on the campus of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi, Jharkhand during March, 2009. About 15 individuals of diplurans, belonging to the family Campodeidae Lubbock, 1873 and Japygidae Lubbock, 1873 were collected through soil sampler. The study revealed 4 species (one damaged) belonging to 4 genera from 2 families of Diplura namely; Campodea sp, Lepidocampa weberi Oudemans, 1890 Indjapyx gravelyi Silvestri, 1931 and a damaged specimen was probably Indjapyx annandalei Silvestri 1931 were identified. Out of these 4 species Lepidocampa weberi Oudemans, 1890 was highly dominated species followed by Indjapyx gravelyi Silvestri, 1931. All of them 3 species were first time recorded from Jharkhand. The diversity measurements viz. Simpson index of diversity, Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Margalef’s species richness and Pielou's Pielou's evenness were 0.83, 1.21, 1.11 and 0.87 respectively were also calculated for the diplurans fauna of Jharkhand. A key up to the family level for Diplurans of Jharkhand is also presented in the paper.