Journal of Applied Entomologist

Diversity and distribution of ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) at Bogadi village, Mysuru, Karnataka

K. S. Raghunandan, Anusha N, K. S. Prasanna — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Ants are considered as one of the most diverse, abundant and ecologically significant organisms on earth. The present study deals with the diversity and distribution of ant species in and around Bogadi Village, Mysuru. Observation on ant species was carried out from 6 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM by following All Out Search Method (AOSM) during June to August, 2023. Results revealed that a total of 16 ant species were distributed at the study area, among them Pheidole meghacephala was the most dominant. These ant species belonging to 4 Subfamiles Myrmicinae (with 7 species), Formicinae (6 species), Pseudomyrmicinae (2 species) and Dolichoderinae (1 species). Among the subfamilies Myrmicinae was the most abundant with 5 genera and 7 species. However, the ant species diversity varied significantly at the three study sites. The effect on the habitat and resources available for ants may lead to variation in their diversity and distribution. Thus, this pioneer study may suggest information of ant species availability at the study area and deserves further in depth studies which is important from Biodiversity conservation perspective.

A preliminary checklist on odonates in and around Lingambudhi lake, Mysuru, Karnataka

K. S. Raghunandan, Anusha V. S., K. S. Prasanna — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Odonates are amphibiotic, well-known dominant groups of freshwater and terrestrial insects. A field study was conducted to find out to prepare a checklist of odonates in and around Lingambudhi lake, Mysuru, Karnataka during June to August, 2023. Sampling was done by Direct Encounter Method and Identification of Odonates as per the Standard field guides. Biodiversity indices values were formulated for the observed data. A total 18 Odonate species has been identified, belonging to Anisoptera (12 species) and Zygoptera (06 species) suborders having 7 families. Family Libellulidae contributes highest number of Odonate species. It was observed that more anthropogenic activities lead to disturbance of odonates in study area. The study highlights the importance of odonates and provides data which would be useful in future biodiversity conservation.

Seasonal variations in Anopheles species (Diptera: Culicidae) and malaria incidence in Kodok locality, Upper Nile State, Republic of South Sudan

Venancio A. Okic, Nabil H. H. Bashir, Yousif O. H. Assad — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is dominated by 3 widespread vectors: Anopheles gambiae s.s. Giles, An. arabiensis Patton, and An. funestus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae). Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium, transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles. A Cross- sectional study was conducted from April 2020 to March 2021 in Kodok locality (KL), Upper Nile State (UNS), Republic of South Sudan (RSS), to determine the larval and indoor resting density of adults, their seasonal changes, and relate them to the number of malaria cases in each KL area (hai), these are: Bilpam, Ochugi, Nevasha and Salam. These areas are surrounded with swamps and man-made ponds. The number of Anopheles and other mosquito adults in a given room was determined by using pyrethrum spray sheet (PSS) collection and the dipping method was used for larval collection from swamps and waste-water. The collected adults were identified as follows: An. gambiae s.s. (67 %), An. arabiensis (27.1%) and other mosquitoes (An. funestus, Culex and Aedes; 5.9%). The density/HH was determined, in the rainy-season (April-Oct.) and the dry- season (Nov. to March). An. gambiae larvae formed 85.4 % and other mosquitoes formed 14.6%. Malaria cases registered within 12 months in KL were 1,956, ranging from 96 to 271 case/month. The highest was during April and the lowest was that of August. It is concluded that 3 Anopheles species are present in the study area. An. gambiae is the dominant species during both seasons. All detected species densities and malaria cases were higher in the wet- season than the dry-season. This information must be seriously considered during the vector control programs.