Taxonomic Studies on Vespid Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea: Vespidae) of Dumna Nature Park, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Dumna Nature Park (DNP) is located about 10 km from Jabalpur city in Madhya Pradesh. DNP has an area of 1058 ha. Geographically Jabalpur is situated between coordinates 230 10ʹ, 790 57ʹ, at 460 m above the sea level. DNP is a forest owned by Jabalpur Municipal Corporation, and is managed by Department of Forest, Government of Madhya Pradesh. The dense forest has also a water reservoir, Khandari Lake. Besides a range of herbivores and carnivores in DNP, it also has an aquatic ecosystem that serves as a valuable habitat for migratory birds. Apart from being a bio-diversity zone, an eco tourist spot, DNP also attracts numerous educational institutions for student’s expedition. Since its establishment, no efforts have been made to study the insect diversity in the Park. This paper focuses on the vespid wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) diversity in the Park. Material and Methods