Diversity and Composition of Insect Communities in the Paddy – Teak Agroforest Ecosystem of Farmer Field in Kowdipally of Medak District, Telangana, India

Abstract

Rice is a staple food crop across much of India and is one of the country’s most important agricultural products. A Study was conducted in agroforest ecosystem (Rice +Teak) of farmer’s field during Kharif season from July to November 2024-2025 at Medak district, Telangana, India. Investigation of insect fauna in rice ecosystem bordered with teak plantations (agroforest ecosystem) and monocropping rice ecosystem was not studied in the present study area, systematically. So, an attempt was made to document the abundance of insect composition at Farmer’s field in Kanchanpally village of Kowdipally mandal. The present study revealed that altogether 1906 individuals from major insect order like (Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Araneae, Coleoptera) were collected using different trapping methods, of which highest number of individuals were recorded from order Lepidoptera (Yeloow stem borer) with 342 individuals and least from the order Blattodea with only three individuals in the agroforest ecosystem. Also, study revealed population of natural enemies were higher due to habitat manipulation and reduced insect pest pressure.