K. Elanchezhyan1*, D. Lenin Raja2, N. Rajinimala3, L. Allwin1 and T. Abdul Razak1
1VOC Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Killikulam, Vallanadu – 628252, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
2Dept. of NRM, Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Periyakulam,
Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
3Rice Research Station, TNAU, Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
Email: drchezhiyanphd@gmail.com
Received-02.09.2024, Revised-14.09.2024, Accepted-28.09.2024
Abstract: A study was conducted to assess the diversity of Hymenopterans at the VOC Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu, India.A total of 746 individuals of hymenopterans belonging to 20genera and 24 species within five families were recorded. The Formicidae family contributed the highest number of individuals (419), followed by Apidae with 221, Vespidae with 92, Scoliidae with 13, and Sphecidae, which had just 1 individual, the least represented. The fire ant, Solenopsis geminata (Family: Formicidae), was the most abundant species with 186 individuals, accounting for 24.93% of the total hymenopterans recorded. The month of August, 2024 had the highest activity with 348 individuals, while the lowest numbers were observed in June 2024 with 53. Species diversity was highest in the Formicidae family (1.90) and lowest in the Apidae family (1.30).
Keywords: Hymenopterans, Diversity, Diversity indices, Killikulam
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