Analysis of the distribution and diversity of aquatic insects in Lingan Kerur Lake in Degloor, Maharashtra

Abstract

A study on biodiversity and abundance of aquatic insects in Lingan Kerur Lake of Degloor Taluka was carried out from February 2023 to November 2023. The study included systematic sampling of aquatic insects at 4 different stations throughout the Lingan Kerur lake using standard entomological procedures. Specimens were collected, identified, and classified into different taxa. A total of 8 species belonging to 8 families and 4 orders were recorded in 4 study stations of Lingan Kerur Lake during the study period. At order level, Diptera showed maximum relative abundance (56.78%) followed by Odonata (20.93%) in Lingan Kerur Lake. The Calculated status of different species of aquatic insects in lake revealed that Culex sp. and Chironomidae sp. from the order Diptera, were dominant. The highest Shannon diversity index (1.96) and evenness values (0.94) were recorded in station 4 while lowest Shannon diversity index (1.45) and evenness (0.84) were recorded in station 3 and station 2 respectively. This indicated that station 4 has more diversity and less domination by one or a few species than the other survey stations. Based on this research, it was found that Lingan Kerur Lake has moderate diversity of aquatic insects and it highlights the critical necessity for conservation activities to preserve biodiversity of aquatic insects in Lingan Kerur Lake.