Faunal Composition of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka: Insecta: Hemiptera (Terrestrial)
Abstract
The Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, a vital component of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, remains under-explored regarding its insect diversity. This study presents the first comprehensive checklist of terrestrial Hemiptera from this sanctuary. Faunistic surveys conducted from 2019 to 2021 recorded 55 species belonging to 47 genera under 16 families. The families Pentatomidae (9 species), Rhyparochromidae (6 species), and Coreidae (5 species) exhibited the highest species richness. Specimens were collected from two primary locations, Heddanmane Halkal Junction and Aanejcom Buttely Camp, using standard entomological methods. Detailed collection data and global distribution notes for all species are provided. This baseline inventory fills a significant knowledge gap and underscores the sanctuary’simportance for hemipteran diversity and conservation in the region.
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Introduction
The order Hemiptera, comprising true bugs, cicadas, hoppers, and allied forms, is one of the most diverse insect groups, representing approximately 8% of global insect fauna (Henry, 2017). Hemipterans occupy nearly every terrestrial and aquatic habitat, playing critical ecological roles as phytophages, predators, pollinators, and vectors of plant diseases, thus holding significant economic and ecological importance (Schuh & Weirauch, 2020). In India, the order is represented by over 6,500 species under about 92 families (Chandra, 2012, 2013), though many regions remain poorly documented. The Western Ghats of India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global biodiversity hotspot renowned for its exceptionally high levels of endemism and species richness (Myers et al., 2000). Within this chain, the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary (MWLS) in Karnataka spans 370.37 sq. km of evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. It serves as a crucial ecological corridor between the Someshwara and Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuaries. Despite its ecological significance, detailed entomofaunal inventories from MWLS are scarce. Previous hemipteran records from the region are limited to isolated studies on specific groups, such as whiteflies (Sundraraj & Pushpa, 2011; Sandeep et al., 2022) and aquatic bugs (Thirumalai, 2004). A consolidated account of the terrestrial Hemiptera fauna is lacking.
This study aims to address this gap by providing the first systematic checklist of terrestrial Hemiptera from the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. The objectives were to (1) document the species diversity and composition, (2) provide precise collection records with distributional data, and (3) establish a baseline for future ecological and conservational studies in this vital part of the Western Ghats. Website: www.ijoear.com Journal DOI: 10.25125/agriculture-journal
Conclusion
This first account of the terrestrial Hemiptera from Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary documents 55 species, establishing a crucial baseline record for this ecologically significant area in the Western Ghats. The data emphasizes the sanctuary’srole as a reservoir of both widespread and potentially endemic hemipteran diversity. Future studies should focus on detailed ecological research, molecular taxonomy for cryptic species, and long-term monitoring to understand the impact of environmental changes on these insect communities. This work contributes to the broader goal of documenting and conserving invertebrate biodiversity in India’sbiodiversity hotspots.