SEASONAL ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF HYMENOPTERA SOIL ARTHROPODS IN AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST AREAS OF RAJANPALLE VILLAGE, GUDUR MANDAL, WARANGAL DISTRICT, TELANGANA

Abstract

This study examines the seasonal variations in abundance and diversity of Hymenoptera soil arthropods in agricultural versus forest ecosystems. Soil samples were systematically collected monthly from February 2015 to January 2017 across three distinct seasons—winter, summer, and monsoon—from both agricultural and forested areas in Rajanpalle village, Telangana, India. Using the Shannon-Weiner Index, the research assessed species diversity, while the analysis of seasonal abundance involved evaluating the relative proportions of different Hymenoptera species. The results indicated significant seasonal fluctuations in abundance within the agricultural ecosystem, with notable declines in diversity as reflected by lower Shannon-Weiner Index values. Specifically, species like Camponotus sp. and Monomorium sp. showed decreased diversity during summer months. Conversely, the forest ecosystem displayed more consistent abundance patterns and higher diversity indices throughout the year, suggesting a more stable and diverse habitat. These findings underscore the adverse effects of agricultural practices on soil arthropod communities, emphasizing the importance of preserving forest environments to support higher biodiversity and ecosystem stability.