Aquatic Insect Diversity and Community Structure in Yeldari Dam, Jintur, Maharashtra, India
Author : Shubhangi S Bharti and SM Yeole
Abstract :
Freshwater ecosystems host diverse aquatic insect communities that are crucial for ecosystem functioning and act as reliable indicators of environmental health. This research analyzes the diversity, composition, and seasonal variations of aquatic insects in Yeldari Dam, situated in Jintur taluka, Parbhani district, Maharashtra. Sampling were carried out at representative reservoir sites across post-monsoon, winter, summer and monsoon seasons, utilizing established aquatic entomological methods. Specimens were classified to the highest taxonomic level utilizing recognized identification keys. Diversity indices, including Shannon–Wiener, Simpson, and Pielou’s evenness, were computed to assess community structure. A comparative analysis with other reservoirs in Maharashtra was conducted to contextualize the findings. The preliminary analysis indicated that orders such as Odonata, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera were significant, exhibiting seasonal variation across various sites. The investigation emphasizes the significance of aquatic insects as bioindicators and points to the necessity for ongoing monitoring of Yeldari Dam to maintain ecological sustainability and manage water quality effectively. Aquatic insects at Yeldari Dam play a crucial role in assessing biodiversity and serve as bioindicators in Maharashtra. Understanding their community structure is essential for ecological studies.
Keywords :
Aquatic insects, Yeldari Dam, Biodiversity, Bioindicators, Maharashtra.
