Diversity of the Phasmids (Phasmatodea) from the Nara Desert, Sindh Pakistan

Abstract

Nara desert can be attributed by high wind velocity, heavy shifting and rolling of sand dunes; high diurnal variation of temperature; scanty rainfall; extreme solar radiation and high rate of evapo-transpiration. Phasmids are terrestrial, nocturnal, phytophagous insects found in nearly all temperate and tropical ecosystems. Still now 3,000 species of this group has been described worldwide. Stick insects generally live in trees and bushes, but some species live entirely on grassland. The order Phasmatodea has a worldwide distribution, but most species are found in the tropics. During the present study 05 extensive trips were carried out in Nara desert in result of this survey 87 specimens of stick insect were collected and wondering only single species i-e Carausius (Dixippus) morosus which show its rare status in Pakistan. It was interesting to note that mostly the samples were captured from wheat and other wild vegetation however, its greater percentage was noticed on Acacia nilotica i-e 33.33% and least were reported from Acacia senegal i-e 11.11% female ration was high than male. Beside this, our field observation show that Carausius (Dixippus) morosus feed on fresh leaves. Beside this, it was also noted that Phasmids has strong camouflage ability to escape from predators. Further, it has close resemblance with bark, leaves and even moss or lichen.