Diversity of Beetles from the Mul region of Chandrapur District (M.S.) India
Prakash G. Ghagargunde1 and Mandar S. Paingankar2
1Zoology Department, Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi Arts, Commerce & Science College, Saoli, Chandrapur, Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra - 441225 India 2Zoology Department, Government Science College, Chamorshi Road, Gadchiroli, Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra - 442605 India Email – pgghagargunde4u@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
On Earth Coleopteran beetles insect group is most diverse and rich in species. Out of total described species of animals approximately 25% that is more than 3,80,000 are beetles. In future many beetle species will be described. Limited studies are available on Coleopteran beetles of Central India and very few reports are available on diversity and distribution of beetles from vidarbha region. Beetle surveys will provide better insights in to diversity of Coleopteran beetles in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur districts. This work is done in Mul city of Chandrapur district, state Maharashtra, India and the area around the city. Using various trapping techniques, beetles were captured from various locations and identified up to the family level and tallied monthly. Total 42 species included into 14 families and 32 genera were reported during the study. Species of Carabidae family reported highest whereas Cerambycidae, Cleridae, Geotrupidae, Meloidae, Staphylinidae family reported lowest. Greatest diversity of beetles were seen during the monsoon season. Very little known about beetles in the world. This study will be helpful to check diversity loss and to decide conservation strategies. Due to lack of literature on beetle diversity of Mul region this data will provide scope for further research.