19. Seasonal variations in abundance and diversity of insect pollinator in forest ecosystems of Southern Punjab Pakistan
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Abstract
Seasonal Variation of pollinators in relation to abundance and diversity was studied for one year in forest ecosystems of Perowal (Central Agriculture Zone, southern Punjab, Pakistan) where average maximum and minimum temperature ranges from 19.4 to 43.3°C and 5°C to 31.3°C, respectively. Pollinators from two insect orders (Diptera and Hymenoptera) were satisfied. Results showed that flies and bees remained active throughout the year while the activity of the wasps stopped during months of December–February (winter) when temperature was dropped below 20 °C. Forty two flies species belonging to ten different families were observed. Among flies Euphumosiasp, E. aeneus, and Musca domestica were the most abundant overall. The peak abundance and richness of bees was observed in spring and summer respectively. Similarly the community of bees was composed of 68 different species which were representing from five families. Among bees, Apis dosata, Apis floreia and Halictus sp. were the most abundant overall. The peak abundance and richness of bees was observed in summer. While, wasps community was composed of 57 different species which were representing from nine families. Among wasps, Delta dimidiatipenne, Delta esuriensesuriens and Vespaorientalis were the most abundant overall. The peak abundance and richness of wasps was observed in spring and autumn while zero population in winter.
Keyword: Perowal; Flies & Bees ; Wasps; Diptera and Hymenoptera