Identification of insects associated with ebony (Diospyros celebica Bakh.) as an endemic tree to Sulawesi

Abstract

The population of ebony trees in Sulawesi has decreased and has been included in Appendix II Cites, which means it can only be traded based on quotas. Insect studies on ebony stands are still limited, especially in South Sulawesi. This study aims to determine the diversity and association of ebony with insects found in ebony stands in the Hasanuddin University Education Forest, Maros Regency. This activity was carried out in June 2021. Sampling was carried out using the light trap method for winged insects with nocturnal activity and pitfall traps for insects crawling on the ground. Data analysis to determine the diversity of insect species was carried out using the Shannon-Wiener (H') species and the Margalef index. The results showed that the insects found were 8 orders, 20 families, and 28 species from 128 individuals. Based on analysis of their functional role, the insect complexes consist of 34% herbivores, 50% predators, 8% parasitoids, 14% detritivores and 2% transient species. The diversity of species was classified as moderate, namely 2.71, while the richness index value of 5.56, which was classified as high richness in Ebony Stands.