Insects are an essential part of our environment, intricately linked to human life. While some of us are fascinated by these creatures, others see them as a hindrance. However, it’s their numbers that truly capture our attention.
Insects are highly sensitive to climatic changes such as rainfall, temperature, wind, and humidity, affecting their population dynamics and distribution. They play vital roles in pollination, soil fertility, and as bio-indicators. Despite their benefits, insects can also be disease vectors.
Nigeria’s rich insect biodiversity is a fascinating subject, with recent studies shedding light on the intricate ecosystems in various regions. Two such studies, one conducted at Kaduna State University Main Campus and the other in Wukari, Taraba State, reveal the diversity and abundance of insect species and provide important insights into the environmental factors shaping these vibrant communities.
Kaduna State University: A Hub of Insect Diversity
A study published in the Science World Journal explored the insect diversity at the Kaduna State University Main Campus, where researchers collected a total of 1,908 insect samples. These samples represented 48 species across 24 families and 8 orders. The area behind the Females’ Hostel (BFH) emerged as the most diverse and abundant site, attributed to its varied tree species and dense vegetation resembling a forest-like environment.
Dominant Insect Orders
The study identified Odonata as the dominant order, comprising 22.92% of the total species. Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera followed closely, each representing 20.83% of the species. These findings contrast with earlier studies by another research, who reported Hemiptera and Orthoptera as dominant orders in different regions of Nigeria. The variation is likely due to differences in environmental conditions, the timing of insect collection, and the presence of suitable hosts, emphasizing the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on insect populations.
Species Specifics
Lepidoptera species captured were typical of West African taxa. Hymenoptera, particularly Apidae, dominated in terms of individual species. This dominance can be attributed to the presence of various plant species, including ornamental plants and seedlings, and the protected forest canopy areas at the Botanical Garden and Behind Females’ Hostel.
The high number of butterfly species recorded indicates their attraction to the plant species in the area. This relationship between plants and insects highlights the intricate interactions within the ecosystem, supporting the notion that plants and insects often engage in mutualistic and phytophagous relationships.
Wukari: A Treasure Trove of Insect Species
In a separate study conducted in Wukari, researchers uncovered a remarkable diversity of insect species, emphasizing the region’s ecological richness. They identified 77 insect species across 34 families and 9 orders, collecting 4,501 individual insects using pitfall traps, light traps, and yellow pan traps. This multi-method approach was effective in attracting different insect species.
Abundant and Rare Species
Among the insects collected, Heteronychus mossambicus was the most abundant species, followed by Termes sp. and Goryphus sp. Rarely encountered species included Chlaenius dusaulti, Cheilomenes sulphurea, Copris sp., Cicindela sp., and Gryllus bimaculatus. Coleoptera was the most prevalent insect order, accounting for 46.41% of the total species.
Ecological Interactions
The study revealed a significant overlap in species composition between the agroecosystem and the residential area. However, a t-test statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in species diversity between the open field (grassland) and the agroecosystem, suggesting that both habitats support diverse plant-based communities that co-evolve with their insect herbivores. This finding aligns with observations that insects thrive in favorable conditions.
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Outlook
These comprehensive surveys shows the rich insect biodiversity in Nigeria, highlighting the critical role of diverse habitats in supporting insect populations. Each insect species, whether dominant or rare, plays a vital role in ecosystem stability. The studies provide valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to optimize beneficial insects while managing noxious species.
Future research should employ additional sampling techniques and expand the geographical and temporal scope to account for seasonal variations in insect populations.
The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining diverse habitats to support the rich insect biodiversity in regions like Kaduna and Wukari, offering a roadmap for ecological conservation and sustainable environmental management.
