Ants of India  

Halteres (Volume-1, Number-1, 2009)

CONTENTS

Diversity of the ground inhabiting ant fauna at Department of Atomic Energy campus, Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu)

T. Ramesh2, K. Jahir Hussain1, M. Selvanayagam2 and K. K. Satpathy1........1

1. Environmental and Industrial Safety Section, Safety Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam-603102 (Tamil Nadu)2.Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy (LIFE), Loyola College, Chennai, India-600 034.

Abstract

Ant sampling was carried out in different locations of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Campus at Kalpakkam during dry season (March – June 2008). Pit-fall traps and hand-picking methods were used to collect ants from 20 different sampling sites. A total of 31 species, 15 genera, and 5 subfamilies of ants were collected. The Myrmicinae were the most common, with 7 genera and 16 species, followed by the Formicinae (4 genera and 8 species), the Ponerinae (2 genera and 2 species), the Pseudomyrmecinae (1 genus and 4 species) and the Dolichoderinae was represented by only 1 species. Interestingly 86.6% of the genera, 83.8% of the species, and 92.4% of the individuals collected belonged to three subfamilies (Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, and Formicinae). The five most species-rich genera were Monomorium, Camponotus, Tetraponera, Crematogaster and Tetramorium. The taxonomic structure of the myrmecofauna sampled, resembles that of Western and Eastern Ghats and other tropical regions in two ways: Firstly, many rare species and a few abundant species: Secondly, the dominance of subfamilies such as Myrmicinae, Ponerinae and Formicinae. The species accumulation curve indicated that the likelihood of getting more number of species in DAE campus and this finding was supported by rarefaction curve.

Keywords: Ant diversity, Ground-inhabiting ants, Pit-fall trap, DAE Campus, Kalpakkam.

Diversity and Abundance of ants along an elevational gradient in Jammu-Kashmir Himalaya - I

Himender Bharti and Yash Paul Sharma............................................................10

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala (Pb.) India-147002

Abstract

Ant diversity was studied at an altitude of 1000mtrs and 2000mtrs above mean sea level along an elevational gradient in Jammu-Kashmir Himalaya. Ants were collected with the help of pitfall traps, winkler’s and hand collection along a transect of 250mtrs at each site. Species richness was estimated with the help of Colwell’s EstimatorS. Subfamily Myrmicinae has been found to be 66%, followed by Formicinae 26.81%, Ponerinae 4.84% and Dolichoderinae 2.35%. The data generated reflects that  with decrease in temperature and humidity, composition of species changes as in case of Myrmicinae, the generalist species are replaced by more high altitude specialists like Myrmica  and Aphaenogaster. In case of Formicinae, the interpretation resembles Myrmicinae as cold specialist Formica increases in abundance. But interestingly, the overall  abundance increases from 1000mtrs to 2000mtrs with number of species almost same at both the elevations.

Keywords: Ants, diversity, species richness, species abundance, elevational gradient, estimation indices, Jammu- Kashmir Himalaya.  

Influence of Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans Parasatization on the Protein profile and RNA content of Apis mellifera L. worker brood

Pooja Badotra, Neelima R. Kumar and Shalini Sharma.....................................25

Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

Abstract

Protein profile and RNA content of Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans infested Apis mellifera L. worker brood was studied and compared with non- infested brood. It was observed that total protein concentration in whole body extract was higher in non-infested pupa. The number of protein fractions obtained on SDS-PAGE were however more in the pupa infested with mite. The concentration of RNA was higher in healthy pupa as compared to infested one suggesting reduced transcription of genes encoding peptides and proteins.

Keywords:  Apis mellifera, Varroa jacobsoni, Protein profile, Worker brood.

Diversity of Odonata in District  Poonch and  Sudhnoti of  Kashmir  Valley – Pakistan, with a new record for the country 

Muhammad Ather Rafi1, Muhammad Rafique Khan2, Ahmed Zia3 and  Anjum Shehzad4.............................................................................................................28

1. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan 2. University College of Agriculture, Rawalakot – Kashmir 3. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan 4. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan.

Abstract

Detailed surveys were carried out from two districts viz. Poonch and  Sudhnoti of Kashmir Valley during summer seasons of 2007 and 2008 to make an updated record of inhabiting Odonata. Ten localities were selected on the basis of variables keeping in view the habitat requirements of Odonata. The present study provides a record of 16 Anisopterous species spreading to 9 genera and 29 Zygopterous species spreading to 14 genera. Among these Lestes patricia is a new record for the country. The distribution, synonymy, richness and abundance of the species are discussed in this paper. The  Kashmir Valley is rich in insect biodiversity, the odonate fauna of this valley needs to be further explored.

Keywords: Odonata, Poonch, Sudhnoti, Kashmir Valley.

Seasonal Patterns of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Punjab Shivalik

Himender Bharti, Yash Paul Sharma and Amritdeep Kaur................................36

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala (Pb.) India-147002

Abstract

Seasonal patterns of Ants were analysed in five seasons in Punjab Shivalik range of North-West Himalaya. Various collection methods like Pitfall traps, Winkler’s, Fish bait and Hand picking were used. 40 species belonging to 8 subfamilies have been observed for seasonal patterns and subfamily Myrmicinae followed by Formicinae were found to be dominant. Temperature and Relative humidity have been correlated with seasonal patterns.

Keywords: Seasonal patterns, Ants, Shivalik, Disturbed ecosystem, Anthropogenic activity, North-West Himalaya.

Occurrence of Odonata in Northern areas of Pakistan with seven new records

Ahmed Zia1, Muhammad Ather Rafi2,  Zakir Hussain3 and  Muhammad Naeem4

1. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan 2. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan 3. Department of Agriculture, Gilgit – Northern Areas, Pakistan 4. Department of Entomology, Pir Meher Ali Shah Arid Agriculture  University, Rawalpindi – Pakistan.

Abstract

The study was undertaken to explore the Odonata (Dragonflies & Damselflies) of Northern Areas of Pakistan. The area has an assemblage of high mountains with unlimited water resources in the form of rivers, streams, springs and melted snow. New records of Odonata need to be explored from the area. The surveys were carried out during the months of April – August for four consecutive years (2004 – 2008). Help was also taken from the collection housed at National Insect Museum, Islamabad. Valid names alongwith their synonyms, distribution, habitat description and abundance for all the collected species are discussed in this paper. As total, 21 genera spreading to  37 species of Odonata, comprising of seven new records for the area including one new record for the country have been presented. A checklist for the area has also been included.

Keywords: Odonata, Dragonflies, Damselflies, Northern Areas, Pakistan.

Influence of Foraging time, Flight activity patterns and Duration of a foraging trip of Apis species (order: Hymenoptera) on Brassica campestris var. Sarson

J.S. Tara and Pooja Sharma...............................................................................57

Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, Jammu (J&K), India- 180 006.

 Abstract

Foraging behaviour of Apis cerana and Apis mellifera was studied at two field stations- Pallimore and Hiranagar in district Kathua of Jammu region (J&K), in order to determine their potential for working hours in the fields of sarson. Single colonies of each species were placed in the fields till the end of flowering. Commencement of the foraging activity of Apis cerana (0624±0.91 and  0622±0.55 hrs) was significantly earlier (P<0.0001) than A. mellifera (0648±0.68 and 0645±0.98 hrs) at both the fields respectively. However in the evening, A. cerana mean timings: 1842±0.84 and 1844±1.07 hrs, ceased its foraging activity significantly later (P<0.001) than A. mellifera mean timings: 1813±1.06 and 1817±2.10 hrs respectively at both the fields. For flight activity patterns,  A. mellifera reached its maxima (0800-1400 hrs) before A. cerana (1000-1200 hrs) at Pallimore, while at Hiranagar peak activity of Apis cerana lies between 1000-1300 hours and that of A. mellifera lies between 1000-1400 hours.                                                                                                                                                Duration of foraging trip was significantly more (P<0.05) in A. mellifera (24.14 minutes) than A. cerana (22.97 minutes) at Pallimore, but no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed at Hiranagar for A. cerana (23.77 minutes) and A. mellifera (24.54 minutes).      

Keywords: - Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, Brassica campestris, Foraging.

Some notes on medically important flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from India

Meenakshi Bharti................................................................................................66

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala (Pb.) India-147002

Abstract

Many cases of myiasis are reported every year from India, but in most of these cases the correct identification of fly maggots is lacking. Moreover, calliphorids and other families of Diptera like Sarcophagidae, Muscidae are vectors of number of diseases like cholera, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever, leprosy, tuberculosis etc. Keeping in view the medical importance of these flies, an attempt is made to enlist the calliphorid species from India.

Keywords: Myiasis, Calliphoridae, India.

Biochemical changes in the midgut during metamorphosis in Apis cerana indica

Deepak D. Barsagade, Kalpana M. Kelwadkar and Mangala N. Kadwey.........72

Department of Zoology, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, India-440033.

Abstract

The digestive cells of midgut are responsible for the secretion of various enzymes and absorption of nutrients. During the process of metamorphosis midgut passes through, histolysis and histogenesis. As a result, destruction of larval tissue and construction of adult tissue occurs. The present work thus carried out is to know the changes that occurr in the biomolecules like DNA, RNA, Proteins, Carbohydrates etc., in relation with the remodeling of gut. Along with these biomolecules, various enzymes like amylase, invertase, protease and lipase are also estimated to know their status during metamorphosis of midgut in Apis cerana indica.

Keywords- Apis cerana indica, Midgut, Metamorphosis, Biomolecules.

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