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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Investigation of diversity indices of Hymenopteran wasps in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors
Aparna C, Vishnuja M, R S M Shamsudeen, Asharaj K R, Jyothilekshmi S
Abstract
Accurate species identification is fundamental to biodiversity
conservation. Hymenoptera ranks among the most diverse insect orders,
encompassing wasps, bees, ants, and sawflies. This study surveyed the aculeate
wasp fauna of Mananthavady Taluk and Banasura Hills in the Western Ghats,
Kerala. Thirty-two random sampling points were established across 16 villages.
Additional sites on Banasura Hill included a semi-evergreen forest and an
unmanaged teak plantation. Specimens were collected using sweep nets, yellow
pan traps, and hand nets. All material was identified to species level using
stereozoom microscopy stereozoom microscopy with the help of dichotomous keys.
A total of 26 species belonging to six families were recorded: Vespidae (13),
Sphecidae (7), Pompilidae (2), Crabronidae (2), Scoliidae (1), and Tiphiidae
(1). Vespidae was the dominant family. Six subfamilies were
represented—Polistinae, Vespinae, Eumeninae, Sceliphrinae, Pepsinae, and
Tiphiinae. Five species were shared between both survey zones. Eight additional
specimens were identified only to genus level. Diversity indices
(Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, Margalef, and Menhinick) were computed for forest and
teak plantation communities. The forest habitat showed significantly higher
diversity than the plantation (F (1, 30) = 11.23, p = 0.0024). These findings
provide the first baseline inventory of wasps from this region. They underscore
the need for continued taxonomic surveys in the fragmented landscapes of the
Western Ghats for conservation and pest management.
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Pages:326-333
How to cite this article:
Aparna C, Vishnuja M, R S M Shamsudeen, Asharaj K R, Jyothilekshmi S "Investigation of diversity indices of Hymenopteran wasps in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 326-333
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