Diversity and Seasonal Distribution of Scarab Beetles (Scarabaeidae; Coleoptera) in Jaipur Region, Rajasthan state of India
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Abstract
A study on the diversity of the scarab beetle was carried out from March 2023 to February 2024 at four sites in Jaipur region, Rajasthan. A total of 992 individuals of scarab beetles, representing 23 species and 16 genera belonging to the family Scarabaeidae were recorded. Scarabaeinae was recorded the largest subfamily with 10 species, followed by Melolonthinae (6), Dynastinae (4), Cetoniinae (2), and Rutelinae (1). The maximum abundance of scarab beetle was found during the monsoon season. The subfamily Scarabaeinae was recorded as most abundant with 423 individuals, followed by Melolonthinae, Dynastinae, Cetoniinae, and Rutelinae. Digitonthophagus gazelle, Onthophagus taurus, Maladera castanea, Oryctes rhinoceros, and Holotrichia serrate were the most abundant species across all sites. The values of alpha diversity indices, viz., Shannon diversity index was recorded highest at site 1 (H’= 3.015) and Simpson’s diversity index highest at site 4 (1-D’=0.9487). Dominance was recorded highest at site 3 (D=0.06994), and Evenness highest at site 1 (E=0.9367), respectively. The Pearson correlation showed statistically significant results between relative abundance and species richness with temperature and precipitation, whereas non-significant with relative humidity. This study represents a magnificent record of the abundance and diversity of scarab beetles in Jaipur region.
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