Order Diptera Research Articles

Composition and dynamics of macroinvertebrates community in relation to physicochemical parameters of hydrogeologically connected wetlands in Abbay River basin, Ethiopia.

Assessing the macroinvertebrate assemblage in relation to physicochemical parameters can provide insight into the ecological state of aquatic environments. Therefore, this study aimed to assess macroinvertebrate assemblage of hydrogeologically connected wetlands in relation to physicochemical water quality parameters. Data were collected between June 2022 and April 2023 from twelve purposively selected sampling sites following established procedures. A total of 1,211 macroinvertebrates were collected from 18 orders and 44 families. The majority (72.83%) are generally pollution-tolerant families of the order Hemiptera, Odonata, Coleoptera and Diptera. There was significant spatio-temporal variation (P < 0.05, One-way ANOVA) in total macroinvertebrate abundance and bioindices. There were more individual macroinvertebrates collected during the dry season. The CCA and correlation analysis indicated that the physicochemical parameters had an effect on the distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrates. The size of the wetlands andthe intensity of anthropogenic interventionmight also result difference in macroinvertebrate abundance across the wetlands. The higher nutrient concentrations, the low DO level, the higher abundance of tolerant taxa and the medium Shannon_Hvalue (range: 2.13 to 2.68) all indicate the wetlands' poor ecological status. Therefore, regular water quality monitoring, identification of the macroinvertebrate at the lower taxonomic level and the development of macroinvertebratebased multimetric indices are recommended for their sustainable management.

Assessing the Impact of Tephritid Fruit Flies on Diverse Fruit and Vegetable Crops in West Bengal's Terai Agro-ecological Region

The flies belong to the family Tephritidae of the Insect order Diptera and are referred to as Fruit flies because they infest various fruits and vegetables. Globally, Dacinae fruit flies of the genus Bactrocera Macquart are one of the most important pests of fruits and vegetables. A study was conducted during 2021, to assess the association of tephritids with different fruits and vegetables like Ber, Citrus, Guava, Mango, Bottle gourd, Cucumber and Pumpkin. A total of nine species were collected by installing traps comprising of sex attractants such as Cue-lure, Methyl Eugenol and by rearing from Infested fruits. Among nine, six species were collected through cue-lure traps namely Zeugodacus tau (Walker), Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coq.), Bactrocera rubigina (Wang and Zhao), Zeugodacus caudatus (Fabricus), Bactrocera divenderi (Maneesh, Hancock and Prabhakar) and Dacus longicornis (Wiedemann). Two species were collected through methyl eugenol traps namely Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders). Four species namely Zeugodacus tau (Walker), Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coq.), Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) were recovered from infested fruits of ber, citrus, bottle gourd, cucumber and pumpkin. Species richness in different fields was maximum in citrus and from the recovery of infested fruits maximum in ber. Species composition of Z.tau was maximum in pumpkin, and bottle gourd and B. dorsalis were maximum in mango, guava, ber and citrus. Species composition of Z. tau were recovered maximum from infested pumpkin and cucumber, Z. cucurbitae were recovered maximum from infested bottle gourd and B. dorsalis were recovered maximum from infested ber and citrus fruits. Relative abundance of Z. tau was recorded maximum in pumpkin and bottle gourd and B. dorsalis was recorded maximum in mango, guava, ber and citrus. A relative abundance of Z. tau was recovered maximum in pumpkin and cucumber-infested fruits, Z. cucurbitae were recovered maximum from bottle gourd-infested fruits and B. dorsalis were recovered maximum from ber and citrus-infested fruits. In different fields, species evenness was observed maximum in citrus and from recovery of infested fruits maximum in ber.

CHARACTERIZATION OF SAPROPHAGE INSECTS FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY INDICATORS USING LOCAL PIGS

Forensic entomology is the science of insects which is used to analyze cases related to forensics, namely death. This is based on the close relationship between humans and insects who live side by side. Insects can be a factor in determining the Postmortem Interval (PMI) so that it is useful in the forensic investigation process. Medicolegal insects are insects that are used as evidence in death cases. This research aims to obtain the diversity of insect species, the morphological characteristics of insects, the characteristics of insects in experimental pigs that died from hanging, poisoning and stabbing and based on the stage of decomposition. The results of this research examine temperature, soil pH, air humidity and the decomposition process of local pigs. The results of research on the decomposition stage in 3 deaths (hanging, stabbing, and poisoning) showed differences in the time of death, where the hanging carcass decomposed more quickly than the stabbed and poisoned carcass. In the decomposition stage, the first insect encountered is the order (Diptera) where these insects damage internal organs such as the brain and liver and also damage body cells. The temperature results of local pig carcasses placed outdoors ranged from 32.2-34.50C, while indoor carcass temperatures ranged from 26.77-33.43 0C. The degree of acidity (pH) of carcasses placed outdoors ranges from 5.13-8.53 while indoor carcasses ranges from 6.0-7.77. The environmental temperature of animal bodies placed outdoors ranges from 26.35-39,740C, while humidity ranges from 57.79-86.10%. The temperature of animal bodies in the room ranges from 27.54-31,520C, while humidity ranges from 71.50-85.37%.

Molecular Detection of Kinetoplastid Species in Ticks and Fleas Associated with Dogs and Humans in Mexico

The Trypanosomatidae family encompasses around 24 genera of unicellular protozoans, many of which are transmitted by various hematophagous arthropods, particularly members of the Orders Diptera and Hemiptera. Fleas and ticks—an understudied group of ectoparasites—have been shown to be hosts of a wide and crescent variety of trypanosomatid species. Further, fleas and ticks of companion animals have been particularly neglected in trypanosomatid surveillance despite the proximity to human populations and the anthropophagous habits of many of these arthropods, which can potentially act as vectors of zoonotic trypanosomatids. We aimed to identify the presence, characterize the species, and establish the prevalence of Kinetoplastids, including members of the Trypanosomatidae family, in ectoparasites collected from dogs and humans from Mexico. A total of 537 ectoparasite specimens belonging to six ectoparasite taxa (Amblyomma mixtum, A. tenellum, Ctenocephalides felis felis, Pulex simulans, Rhipicephalus linnaei, and Rh. sanguineus s.s.) were collected from 15 States of Mexico. An 800 bp fragment of the 18S-rDNA gene from kinetoplastids was amplified and sequenced. The presence of two agents (Trypanosoma caninum and Parabodo sp.) was detected in R. linnaei ticks and one (Blechomonas lauriereadi) in the cat flea Ct. felis felis. This is the first record of genetic material of kinetoplastid species in ectoparasites from dogs and humans in Mexico.

Arthropod Foraging in a Temperate Mountain Hummingbird Ensemble

Arthropods are hummingbirds’ principal source of nitrogen, fatty acids, and micronutrients. Despite the nutritional importance of arthropods for hummingbirds, our understanding of the factors influencing their consumption and their relative role as an energy source remains limited. Here, we aimed to describe the use of arthropods by a hummingbird ensemble in a seasonal temperate mountain ecosystem in West Mexico during one annual cycle. We compared arthropod capture attempt rates among six different humming species. Also, we investigated the impact of seasonal variation in food availability on the arthropod capture attempt rates of the White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis), the sole species observed foraging for arthropods in all seasons. We found that hummingbirds ingested arthropods from different orders (Araneae, Hemiptera, Psocoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera), with arthropod capture attempt rates varying wildly among species. The arthropod capture attempt rates of the White-eared Hummingbird showed a significant positive correlation with arthropod availability, peaking during the warm-dry season when floral nectar was scarce and arthropod availability was high. Our data show that arthropod ingestion is crucial for some hummingbird species, mainly when nectar availability is limited or absent in the environment.

Major diet of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) over different developmental stages in rice-field: agroecological interactions between fishes and rice in Sichuan, China, based on DNA metabarcoding approach

The rice-fish co-culture system (RFS) is a traditional cooperative farming model employed in southern China that can achieve doubling the harvest of rice (Oryza sp.) and fish. Most studies on RFS have focused on ecological mechanisms, benefits, ecosystem services, and agroecosystem functions; however, little is known about the baseline dietary composition in common carp of RFS, particularly across different developmental stages. In this study, we applied DNA metabarcoding of invertebrates (COI) and plants (Rbcl) to investigate the natural diets of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) across three developmental stages: juvenile (May), sub-adult (July), and adult (September). The animal-derived diets of common carp were dominated by prey from the orders Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera, and the main plant-derived food items belonged to the families Poaceae, Araceae, and Hydrocharitaceae. We examined variations in the dietary compositions of common carp across three developmental stages to capture adaptations to seasonal changes in food resource availability. Additionally, we detected insect pests (species from the genera Macrosteles and Mythimna) and weeds (Eleusine indica, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Mazus japonicus, and Poa annua) in the diets of common carp, confirming the ecological benefits of common carp in rice fields by reducing insect pests and weeds. Characterizing the dietary composition and variation of common carp over developmental stages contributes to our understanding of its foraging ecology, dietary niche, and dynamics of trophic interactions, and provides critical information for evaluating the ecological benefits of common carp in RFS.

Diet composition and diet choice of Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat Rhinopoma hardwickii (Gray, 1831) (Rhinopomatidae: Chiroptera)

The food composition and food choice of R. hardwickii were assessed through guano analysis at different seasons and geographical locations. Guano samples of R. hardwickii were collected from the roost sites of the Gangetic plains and arid region of Uttar Pradesh. Each intact pellet was dissolved and recognizable insect body parts like legs, antennae, wings, and mouth parts were separated and photographed. Each insect remnant was identified to its lowest rank as much as possible. A total of 10 roost sites of R. hardwickii were observed in the arid region and Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh and all of them were found in historical monuments. A total of 61 pellets of 10 sites yielded 1,035 remnants of insects. The highest percentage of remnants belongs to legs, followed by wings, antennae, abdominal segments, and mouthparts. The remnants belong to eight insect orders such as Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Plecoptera. The remnants of order Hemiptera showed the highest frequency of occurrence followed by orders Coleoptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera, and these four orders of insects constitute the major portion of the diet of R. hardwickii. The orders Dermaptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Plecoptera contributed a small proportion to the diet of R. hardwickii. The remnants of orders Lepidoptera and Plecoptera were occasional. The result of the current study shows that the food choice of R. hardwickii did not differ significantly across roost sites, while differed seasonally. Further, it reveals that the Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat acts as a potential and natural insect balancing agent.

The Immature Stages of Sarcophaga dux (Diptera; Sarcophagidae): A Proposed Nutritional Source for Poultry

Background: Insects, particularly those belonging to the order Diptera, offer a promising alternative protein source for poultry with numerous advantages. Among these, Sarcophaga dux (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a widely distributed global dipteran species, including Saudi Arabia, exhibits potential for waste management. This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional values of both larval and pupal stages of S. dux as well as the feed intake (FI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR). S. dux flies (≈170 to 200 newly hatched larvae) were reared in standardized laboratory conditions until reaching the pupal stage. Methods: The daily feed intake was calculated for each larvae replicate and FCR was measured on the last day of the 3rd larval instar. Larvae and pupae from each replicate were subject to the proximate analysis, amino acids and minerals. Results indicated a progressive increase in FI throughout the development period, except for the last day of the 3rd larval instar. Result: The FCR demonstrated a higher value comparing to previous study. Furthermore, both larval and pupal stages exhibited high crude protein, lipid content and crude fibre with low dry matter and elevated ash content. The amino acid and mineral contents were also high, with low levels of heavy metals. Notably, the pupal stage displayed superior results in this study. These results may indicate that larvae and pupae of S. dux are promising sources of protein, minerals and potentially other essential nutrients which, in fact, suggest it as a nutritionally valuable food sources for poultry. Upon comparing the larval and pupal stages, it is evident that essential minerals are generally abundant in both stages except for manganese (Mn), which was found to be highest in pupae. However, it is noteworthy that the levels of heavy metals in both stages were low and exhibited no significant difference except for lead (Pb).

Triticum monococcum subsp. monococcum and aegilopoides: new sources of resistance to the dipteran pest, Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) belonging to the order Diptera (family: Cecidomyiidae), is a destructive pest of host wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) causing significant economic losses. Although planting resistant wheat cultivars harboring an effective Hessian fly resistance gene (H) is the most economical and environmentally friendly pest management strategy, it imposes selection pressure on the insect populations and can lead to the evolution of Hessian fly virulence. This results in the eventual failure of the deployed H gene. New sources and novel types of resistance are urgently needed to expand the repertoire of H genes and enable strategies that are more effective and durable over the long-term. New sources of Hessian fly resistance have been identified from tetraploid (T. turgidum L., AABB) and hexaploid (T. aestivum, AABBDD) wheat species, as well as from wheat's D-genome donor (Aegilops tauschii Coss., DD). In contrast, diploid einkorn wheat (T. monococcum L., AA) has not been extensively explored for Hessian fly resistance. In this study, we phenotyped 506 T. monococcum accessions belonging to 2 subspecies, T. monococcum L. subsp. monococcum (205 accessions) and T. monococcum subsp. aegilopoides (Link) Thell. (301 accessions), for resistance against 2 predominant Hessian fly biotypes, L and GP (Great Plains). Three and 6 accessions belonging to subsp. monococcum and aegilopoides, respectively, showed > 70% resistance. These accessions provide additional resources for improving wheat cultivars as mitigating strategies for Hessian fly management.

Molecular characterization and identification of insect pollinators of Valeriana jatamansi Jones from Shimla Hills, Western Himalaya, India

Valeriana jatamansi Jones a perennial medicinal herb belongs to the family Caprifoliaceae and highly pollinated by wild insect pollinators. In present investigation a total of 51 species of flower visitors were reported on V. jatamansi at altitude range of 1,927 to 2,850 m, in different localities of Shimla Hills, Western Himalaya. The collected insect pollinator species were taxonomically identified and 29 of them were olecularly characterized and identified using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequence from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). BLAST analysis revealed 98 to 100 per cent similarity with the existing GenBank sequences. The average AT content was found to be significantly higher (69.8%) compared to the GC content (30.0%), indicating AT bias in all sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of 29 different species of insect ‘pollinator of V. jatamansi revealed two clades, one shows phylogenetic relationship between 28 species which belongs to four orders Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera and the other shows the one species which belongs to order Coleoptera. This study contributes to increasing the number of published accounts of NCBI and helps to accurately distinguish the pollinator fauna of Valeriana Jatamansi.

Measurement of the Direct Impact of Hematophagous Flies on Feeder Cattle: An Unexpectedly High Potential Economic Impact.

In addition to blood pathogen transmission, insects of the order Diptera affect livestock through visual and contact harassment; blood-feeders are responsible for painful bites and blood despoliation, generating behavioral modifications, anemia, and production losses. Knowledge of their economic impact is a basis for cost-effective control. Here, we measured the global impact of diptera insects by comparing two batches of six feeder cattle, one in the open air and the other protected by a mosquito net. The analytical data were insect density in the open air and, for feeder cattle, tail flick counts, hematocrit values (Ht), feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and live body weight gain (LBWG). Over a period of five months, the results showed significant losses in the LBWG of cattle exposed to insects, estimated at 8.0 ± 1.5 kg/month [2.7; 13.3], with a total loss reaching 40.0 ± 5.5 kg/head. Main diurnal insects were Stomoxys spp. and Musca crassirostris. There was a strong correlation between fly density and diurnal tail flicks. Night trapping and tail flicks showed a potentially important role of mosquitoes to be further explored. The Ht levels of exposed animals were 3-4% lower than those of controls. FCRs indicated that exposed animals needed 33% more dry matter intake/kg of LBWG. An economic assessment showed that dipterans were responsible for a 10-11% loss in LBWG during the main growing period of feeder cattle (10-15 months). A feedlot of 100 calves would register a total loss of USD 16,000 within 5 months, which appears to be an unexpectedly huge loss caused by dipterans. Investing part of this money into fly control would probably be beneficial.

Pollination ecology of Dracula erythrochaete (Orchidaceae): brood-site imitation or food deception?

Abstract Pleurothallidinae is the most diverse Neotropical subtribe in Orchidaceae and is almost exclusively pollinated by insects of the order Diptera. Dracula, a genus of 138 species in the Pleurothallidinae, is known to attract Zygothrica (Drosophilidae) flies, common macrofungi visitors, by imitating fungal volatile compounds and lamellae. Interestingly, Dracula orchids do not appear to offer any rewards to their floral visitors. While brood-site imitation of macrofungi has been suggested as their pollination system, the exact behaviour of flies during their extended visits to the orchid flowers has yet to be confirmed. In this study, we document the pollination mechanism of Dracula erythrochaete. We characterize the floral structures involved in the mechanism using anatomical and morphological evidence. Additionally, through in situ observations and camera recordings, we describe the insect behaviour. We show that flowers of D. erythrochaete share the same group of visitors as nearby macrofungi, including different Zygothrica species, seven of which were determined as effective pollinators. Male and female flies were attracted to the flowers and displayed feeding behaviour. Accordingly, proteins were detected in high concentrations on the papillae at the base of the movable lip and in papillary trichomes of the sepals, near the column. The concept of brood-site imitation is debated, as no oviposition events were observed and no eggs were found on the flowers. Therefore, a mixed strategy of congregation/brood-site imitation and food reward is proposed for pollination.

Nutritional Value of the Larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and the House Fly (Musca domestica) as a Food Alternative for Farm Animals-A Systematic Review.

Dietary alternatives using insect-based products as an alternative for farm animal nutrition have been the object of study due to the high nutritional value of these feeds and the costs related to both their production and consequently their commercialization. Thus, the use of flies, especially larvae, has a high content of proteins and lipids (fat), as well as minerals and essential nutrients for development and growth, directly impacting the production of these animals, whether meat or milk. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compile data from the literature on the nutritional value of adults and larvae of Black soldier (Hermetia illucens) and housefly (Musca domestica) as a dietary alternative for animal feed. The Prisma checklist was used. After reviewing the data found in the literature, following the systematic review, it was noted that studies emerge that larvae of black soldier flies and domestic flies of the order Diptera obtain essential sources in the nutrition of ruminants, in addition to obtaining rapid digestibility, thus adhering to reproduction with high nutritional content, due to incident levels of protein, lipids, and minerals in M. domestica and Lucilia sericata, making it a target for inclusion in the diet of farm animals. In addition, it is concluded that both species are studied for their sustainable potential as well as for offering greater economic and nutritional viability when compared to ingredients present in production animal feed.

Flies tune the activity of their multifunctional gyroscope

Members of the order Diptera, the true flies, are among the most maneuverable flying animals. These aerial capabilities are partially attributed to flies' possession of halteres, tiny club-shaped structures that evolved from the hindwings and play a crucial role in flight control. Halteres are renowned for acting as biological gyroscopes that rapidly detect rotational perturbations and help flies maintain a stable flight posture. Additionally, halteres provide rhythmic input to the wing steering system that can be indirectly modulated by the visual system. The multifunctional capacity of the haltere is thought to depend on arrays of embedded mechanosensors called campaniform sensilla that are arranged in distinct groups on the haltere's dorsal and ventral surfaces. Although longstanding hypotheses suggest that each array provides different information relevant to the flight control circuitry, we know little about how the haltere campaniforms are functionally organized. Here, we use invivo calcium imaging during tethered flight to obtain population-level recordings of the haltere sensory afferents in specific fields of sensilla. We find that haltere feedback from both dorsal fields is continuously active, modulated under closed-loop flight conditions, and recruited during saccades to help flies actively maneuver. We also find that the haltere's multifaceted role may arise from the steering muscles of the haltere itself, regulating haltere stroke amplitude to modulate campaniform activity. Taken together, our results underscore the crucial role of efferent control in regulating sensor activity and provide insight into how the sensory and motor systems of flies coevolved.

Diversity and abundance of insects associated with two accessions of golden melon (Cucumis melo L.)

This study aims to give fundamental details regarding the diversity and abundance of insects associated with two accessions of Golden melon (Cucumis melo L). There were 1,058 (1,058) different specimens gathered. These insects belong to 7 different Orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Diptera, Dictyoptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera) and 22 different (Acrididae, Alydidae, Apidae, Braconidae, Calliphoridae, Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae, Erotylidae, Formicdae, Gryllidae, Mantidae, Muscidae, Pentatomidae, Pieridae, Reduviidae, Sacrophidae, Scarabaiedae, Scutelleridae, Tachinidae, Tenebrionidae, Tettigonidae and Vespidae). Majority of the insect predators belong to the Formicidae family. Golden melon beds were sampled for insects every 10 weeks from the second week after sowing. Every week, sampling was carried out between 7:00 and 9:00 in the morning using a sweep net, a pitfall, and handpicking. As a result, this knowledge will aid in understanding the various insect pests that affect golden melon (Cucumis melo) systems

Octanoic acid kills Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) by affecting two major defence systems: cuticular free fatty acids and immunocompetent cells

This work examines the insecticidal activity of octanoic acid (C8:0), a short-chain fatty acid detected in entomopathogenic fungus – Conidiobolus coronatus medium, against Lucilia sericata larvae and adults. The LD50 value was calculated as 3.04±0.26 µg/mg (3040 mg/kg) of insect body mass, which places the compound in category 5 of acute toxicity (slightly hazardous). The presented research also describes its probable mechanism, with a particular focus on changes in two main insect defense mechanisms: (1) the composition of the cuticle (GC–MS analysis) and (2) immunocompetent cells (microscopic analysis of cultured hemocytes). More precisely, octanoic acid application resulted in changes in cuticular free fatty acid (FFA) profiles in both adults and larvae; generally, treatment increased short-chain FFAs, and a decrease of middle- and long-chain FFAs. Both in vivo and in vitro applications of octanoic acid resulted in vacuolisation, disintegration, and destruction of nets formed by plasmatocytes. As the compound has also previously been found to be toxic against Galleria mellonella, it appears to have lethal potential against insects in both the Orders Diptera and Lepidoptera, indicating it may have strong entomopathogenic potential. It is worth noting that octanoic acid is approved as a food additive with well-documented insecticidal activity, and hence may be a valuable component in the design of new insecticides that are safe for both humans and the environment.

Study of Population Dynamics of Syrphid Fly (Order- Diptera, Family- Syrphidae) in ITM University Gwalior, India

An intriguing ecological interaction can exist between aphids and Syrphid flies, particularly in the setting of millet crops. Aphids (Order Hemiptera: Family Aphididae) are a problem variety of crops, including all types of millets. Syrphid flies (Order Diptera: Family Syrphidae) naturally prey on aphids when they are in their larval stage. Syrphid fly larvae are referred to as "aphid lions" or "hoverfly larvae." Aphids are the main source of food for these larvae, and they manage the aphid population in millet crops. Therefore, Syrphids are used as natural enemies and biological control agents and syrphid flies are advantageous insects in agriculture. The present study was conducted in the month of August 2021 to March 2022 (summer and winter season) to find out the population dynamic of syrphid flies in agricultural farms and the campus of ITM University. The target crops like maize, sorghum, pearl millets, okra, mustard crop, cabbage cauliflower, marigold and brinjal were tagged and marked and Syrphid fly larvae and pupa were counted four times in a month. The larvae and pupa were also collected and kept for adult emergence. The maximum number of larvae were collected from the Turari campus and were as a minimum found in CRC 2. The other predator like lady bird beetles were also observed but their population was very minor. The population of syrphid flies and larvae depends on the climatic conditions and the availability of foods and their prey.

Eksplorasi dan Deskripsi dan Kunci Determinasi Musuh Alami Hama Kutu Kepik (Vatiga illudens Drake 1922) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) dari Pertanaman Singkong (Manihot esculenta) di Kabupaten Banyumas, Provinsi Jawa Tengah

The invasion of the ladybug (Vatiga illudens) has started a new chapter in Indonesia, with the first report of this pest in East Java Province in 2021. As a pest that attacks cassava plants, this pest is a threat to cassava plantations, one of which is in Banyumas District, Central Java Province. It is necessary to identify potential natural enemies that can become biological agents that suppress pest populations in the field and insects associated with cassava cultivations to control the pest and anticipate losses due to decreased production of cassava plants in the Banyumas District. This study aimed to explore and describe the natural enemies of ladybug pests and insects associated with cassava cultivations in the Banyumas District. The research was conducted in September 2022-January 2023 in seven cassava cultivation locations in Banyumas District. Samples of pests and or natural enemies were collected using a purposive random sampling method. The results showed a community of potential natural enemies of V. illudens and insects associated with cassava cultivations from the Orders Hemiptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Coleoptera, and Araneae. The Results showed that 15 species act as potential natural enemies, eight species as pests, and two species as none of them (neutral).

Species Richness and Diversity of Insects in an Argo-ecosystem in Bhabar Region of Uttarakhand

The aim of the presented study was to estimate the species richness and diversity of insects were investigated in an agro-ecosystem in Bhabar region of Uttarakhand. In total, 992 individuals were collected representing 7 orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Diptera and Odonata), 30 families and 91 species that included herbivores, predators, omnivores and saprophages. The most dominant order was Lepidoptera with a relative abundance of (46.15%) and, the least was Diptera (6.59%). The five most abundant families by numbers of individuals were Pieridae (14.8%), Nymphalidae (13.9%), Lycaenidae (6.1%), Papilionidae (5.9%), and Libellulidae (5.4%). The five most diverse families by species were Nymphalidae (13), Pieridae (9), Lycaenidae (8), Papilionidae (7), and Libellulidae (6). The diversity index showed significant Diversity (Hʹ=1.832), Evenness (E=0.9449) and Margalef species richness (d=2.076) of insect fauna. Diversity indices of insect orders showed that Lepidoptera was the most diverse (Hʹ=1.641), Dipterans had highest Evenness (E=0.9449), and Coleopterans had the maximum species richness as per Margalef’s Index (d=2.056). There were 720 individuals of insect pollinators visitors were observed, which belonged to 62 species in 4 orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Hemiptera).

Keanekaragaman Serangga Musuh Alami Pada Pertanaman Kakao Di Kecamatan Leihitu Kabupaten Maluku Tengah

The research aims to identify the types of natural enemy insects of cocoa fruit borer pests and analyze the diversity index and calculate the index of dominance of natural enemy insects in cocoa cultivation (Theobroma cacao L.) in Mamala and Hila Villages, Leihitu district, Central Maluku regency. Random sample method with sampling techniques with certain criteria (cocoa plants that have borne fruit). Each village was taken 3 farmers then each farmer determined 3 sample plots with a plot size of 20 x 20 m2 then determined 3 sample crops. Insect catching uses 4 traps namely sweep net, pit fall traps, yellow traps, and leaf traps. The dataanalyzed in the form of qualitative data is the type of insects found and quantitative data, namely the diversity index and the dominance index. Based on the results of the study obtained the results of the study obtained 5 orders and 9 Families that have the potential as natural enemies, namely the Order Hymenoptera, Dermaptera, Ortopthera, Diptera and Ordo Coleoptera while the Families found are the Family Formicidae, Chelisochidae, Carcinophoridae, Forficulidae, Mantidae, Dolichopodidae, Stratiomydae, Coccinelidae, and the Family Chrysomelidae. The natural enemy diversity index in mamala village cocoa plantation (0.0771) and Hila (0.0884) is low and the dominance index in Mamala (0.97600557) and Hila (0.97362747) is high