The present study documents the tri-trophic associations among aphidiine parasitoids, aphid hosts, and host plants in Uttarakhand. A total of 51 parasitoid taxa were recorded in association with 59 aphid species infesting 69 host plant species, forming 131 tri-trophic associations (triplets). Species of Aphidius were dominant, with Aphidius matricariae exhibiting the widest host range (10 triplets), while Binodoxys indicus showed the highest ecological associations (12 triplets). Diaeretiella rapae also demonstrated broad host associations. In contrast, many parasitoid taxa exhibited high host specificity, being associated with only a single aphid and host plant species. Among aphids, Aphis gossypii showed the greatest ecological diversity, forming 10 triplets, followed by Brachycaudus helichrysi and Sitobion miscanthi with 7 triplets each. Most aphid species, however, displayed narrow ecological associations. Among host plants, Cestrum nocturnum and Rosa spp. supported the highest number of triplets (7 each), while economically important brassicaceous and cereal crops harboured several parasitoid-associated aphid species. Overall, the study reveals considerable diversity and complexity in aphidiine parasitoid-aphid-host plant interactions in Uttarakhand, comprising both highly specialised and broadly polyphagous species. The findings provide valuable baseline information for ecological studies, biodiversity assessment, and biological control programmes in Himalayan agroecosystems.
A systematic odonatological survey was conducted to evaluate dragonfly (Odonata) fauna as bioindicators of water quality across twelve selected localities in District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study was carried out during the summer seasons from 2021 to 2022. Findings indicate that odonate species exhibit distinct habitat preferences closely linked to specific physicochemical water parameters. The presence of unpolluted aquatic habitats was observed to significantly enhance odonate diversity and persistence by reducing ecological disturbances. A total of 616 dragonfly specimens were collected across the study sites. These were identified as 21 species belonging to 12 genera and 4 families. The family Libellulidae was the most abundant, representing 75.16% of the collected specimens and comprising 15 species across 7 genera. This was followed by Gomphidae (15.25%, 3 species, 3 genera), Aeshnidae (9.41%, 2 species, 1 genus), and Corduliidae (0.16%, 1 species, 1 genus). Orthetrum coerulescens subsp. anceps (Schneider, 1845) was identified as the most abundant species, whereas Macromia moorei (Selys, 1874) was recorded as the rarest.
Crabs are referred as keystone species of mangrove ecosystem and are essential as their burrowing habit promotes bioturbation and organic matter degradation that sustain the health of mangrove forests. The present research is an attempt to review the diversity of crabs in two mangrove areas of Karachi: Sandspit backwater and Korangi-Phitti creek, emphasizing the importance of mangrove ecosystems as habitats for brachyuran crabs and highlights the intricate interplay between seasonal variations and species composition. The sampling was conducted on seasonal basis pre-monsoon (January-February), monsoon (August-September) and post-monsoon (November-December). By documenting 14 species and analyzing upto species level distributions across the Sandspit backwater and Korangi-phitti creek areas, this research provides a comprehensive baseline for future ecological and conservation focused studies in Pakistan's coastal mangroves.
A comprehensive analysis of tri-trophic interactions among aphidophagous predators, their aphid prey, and associated host plants in West Bengal revealed a rich and diverse predator community distributed across multiple ecological guilds. A total of 125 predator species belonging to Arachnida (Araneae) and Insecta (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Neuroptera) were recorded, forming 612 distinct predator-aphid-plant associations involving 57 aphid species on 98 host plants. The most dominant groups were Coccinellidae (60 species) and Syrphidae (22 species), which together accounted for the majority of tri-trophic linkages. Other significant predator families included Araneidae, Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, Anthocoridae, and Chamaemyiidae, representing key natural enemies contributing to aphid suppression in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. Coccinellids such as Coccinella septempunctata, Cheilomenes sexmaculata, and Micraspis discolor emerged as the most polyphagous predators, preying on multiple aphid species across diverse crops, including Solanum melongena, Brassica juncea, Triticum aestivum, and Camellia sinensis. Syrphid flies like Betasyrphus isaaci, Episyrphus balteatus, Sphaerophoria scripta, and Ischiodon scutellaris also displayed wide prey ranges, highlighting their potential as biocontrol agents. Other guilds, including spiders, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs, exhibited complementary predatory roles, with spiders showing activity across both cultivated and natural habitats. The findings highlight the ecological complexity and functional diversity of aphidophagous assemblages in West Bengal. This dataset provides a critical baseline for biodiversity monitoring, ecological modeling, and the development of region-specific Integrated Pest Management strategies aimed at enhancing sustainable and environmentally sound pest regulation in the state.
The present study was conducted to explore the diversity of bugs in the Sheringal Valley, District Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Field visits were carried out from March to September 2025 in various localities including Cham, Shahoor, SBBU, Siah Sheringal, Samang, and Gurlai. Specimens were collected through Sweep net, beating sheet, hand collection and identified under stereomicroscope. A total of 93 specimens were collected and identified under 7 families, 7 subfamilies, and 15 species. Among the collected specimens, Eurydema lituriferum was recorded more frequent, comprising 20 specimens. Conversely, Spilostethus hospes was represented by a single specimen. Extended surveys covering additional localities and multiple seasons are required for reliable abundance assessments. More research focus on studying the bugs nymphal stages and in different seasons/time of the year is suggested in the study area that will play a crucial role in their management.
