Taxonomic Inventory and Ecological Guild Composition of Insect Fauna in the Agroecosystems of Baraut, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Describing the taxonomic composition and functional composition of insect communities in heavily modified agricultural landscapes is useful for bioindicators and conservation purposes. We created a baseline of the insect community across the agricultural and semi-urban parts of the Baraut region of Western Uttar Pradesh, India. Non-destructive sampling during diurnal and nocturnal foraging survey periods was undertaken using standard arthropod collecting methods in crops, field edges, leaf litter and synanthropic surfaces. Morphological identification resulted in 27 species belonging to 10 orders and 23 families. Order wise composition revealed a clear predominance of Coleoptera, followed then closely by Hemiptera & Hymenoptera with Carabidae being the most diverse family. Analyzing along functional feeding groups, the recorded taxa belong to Phytophages, Predators, Saprophages and Pollinators and suggest a somewhat balanced trophic representation and a functional biological pest mitigation system comprised primarily of native taxa. The survey noted the local naturalization and active foraging behavior by Perillus cf. bioculatus which suggests dynamic reorganizations of local food webs. Calculated diversity indices indicate moderate to high taxonomic diversity and thus ecological strength despite pressures from expansion of mono-cultures and chemical management in the region. Our field-documented baseline profile will be important for agronomic integrated pest management, native pollinator conservation and environmental monitoring across the Upper Gangetic Plains.