Research article

Diversity and abundance of zoophagous insects in and around Islamia University campus, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan

^*1Sobia Malik, ¹Tahira Ruby, ¹Nuzhat Sial, ¹ Muhammad Shafique Chaudhary and ²Mirza Imran Shahzad

¹Department of Life Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

²University College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: maliksobia63@yahoo.com; Tel: +923447190759

Accepted 19 August 2014

Abstract

Zoophagous insects constitute a major part of predatory fauna. Predators either generalist or specialist plays an important role in maintaining the natural balance of an ecosystem. Insects belonging to different orders viz. (Odonata, Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera) either present on the ground or on leaves were collected from Baghdad-ul-Jadeed campus. The insects were collected from different habitats as (desert area, vegetation, landscapes, crop fields and grassy lawns). Specimens were captured by direct hand picking, with the help of hand nets and automatic sifters. Later they were preserved in solution (Alcohol + few drops of Glycerin). Statically the taxonomic status was determined with the help of available literature in keys and online web sites. These findings seemed to be helpful in ecological management of the ecosystem.

Keywords: Insects, zoophagous, diversity, abundance.