Diversity of Coccinellid beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) in Kashmir, India

Abstract

Survey was conducted on the diversity of coccinellid beetles in the horticultural ecosystems namely fruit orchards, vegetables and wild vegetation ecosystem of Kashmir during June 2014 to June 2015. Diversity indices like Shannon Weiener index; Simpson index; Margalef’s index and Pielou index were used for studying diversity and abundance of coccinellid beetles. The results revealed that 1536 specimens of ladybird beetles collected, were identified into 3 sub families, 11 genera and 13 species. The diversity indices showed good diversity and rich fauna of coccinellids. The study brought the fact that the coccinellids are evenly distributed throughout the the study area. Comparison of abundance, species richness and diversity indices among fruit, vegetable and wild vegetation ecosystems revealed that coccinellid beetles diversity was more in wild vegetation and fruit ecosystems due to availability of prey as compared to vegetable ecosystem.