On the Diversity of Beetles in the Baghdad Campus, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract

Coleoptera fauna in Baghdad Campus was investigated from July 2020 to April 2021. Three habitats included inter dunal sandy area, core desert area, and area in and around the hostel which have been named as H-1, H-2 and H-3 respectively. Techniques like hand picking, plant jerking and pitfall trapping were adopted for sampling in order to explore distribution and diversity of Coleoptera fauna. 1037 samples were collected and preserved in 70% alcohol. Samples were identified on the basis of morphological characters by using bug guide. 7 families and 16 genera were sorted out. The family Tenebrionidae include the genera Blaps, Eleodes, Pimelia, Gonocephallu, and Eusattus was present. The family Coccinellidae includes genera Coccinella was also found. The family Carabidae includes Anthia, Scarites and Calosoma. The family Elateridae, Carculionidae, and Chrysomelidae contains genera Agriotes, Rhynchophorus, and Altica respectively. The Family Scarabaeidae contains the Thyce, Heteronychus, Tomarus, Phyllophagaa genera. In total count, maximum diversity and abundance of Altica was reported. Genus Anthia, Scarites, Agriotes, Rhynnchophorus, Heteronychus, and Tomarus were found in minimum but equal number. In habitat-3, maximum diversity was observed as compared to other habitats. It is concluded that these findings seemed to be helpful in ecological management of the beetles