The purpose of this study was to see how stream habitat structure and physico-chemical variables affected the insect community diversity in a headwater stream of the holy river Pamba in the Western Ghats. From January to December 2019, habitat variables were assessed, physico-chemical parameters were analysed, and aquatic and riparian insects were collected from the relevant stream stretch on a monthly basis. A total of 25 insect species from six orders, 14 families, and 20 genera were discovered in the Western Ghats' headwater stream. The aquatic communities have access to deep pools, boulder undercuts, overhangs, aquatic macrophytes, and leaf litter as habitat characteristics. The insect communities' positioning, mobility, and feeding activities in the stream channel were influenced by the substrate composition and stability. During the summer, monsoon, and winter, the pH of the stream water was 6.020.21, 6.650.05, and 6.470.4, respectively, which is ideal for the insect community's growth. The summer was marked by a rise in air temperature of 34.91.34°C and a large number of Lepidoptera. During the Monsoon season, the maximum concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in stream water was found (9.21.544 mg/L). The healthy stream supported a diverse insect life with seasonal population fluctuations. The stream habitat adds to the entomofauna's breeding and feeding locations, as well as supporting many endemic and migrant Lepidopterans, thanks to its rich riparian buffer.
Author(s) Details:
Ruby Thomas,
Department of Zoology, Mar Thoma
College, Tiruvalla-689 103, Kerala, India.
Dr. K. Raju Thomas,
Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla-689 103, Kerala, India.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/NVBS-V9/article/view/5896
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