Investigating Insect Diversity and Ecological Association in the JNVU Campus, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Insect population dynamics are greatly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, as several studies have shown. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing effective conservation and management plans, especially in the context of environmental change. This study investigated the diversity and abundance of insect fauna between March 2023 and February 2024. Eighty-nine insect species from 11 orders were recorded in the area around the Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU) New Campus in Jodhpur. The most diverse order was Lepidoptera, with 23 species, followed by Hymenoptera (15) and Coleoptera (12). Climatic factors had a significant impact on seasonal variations in species richness, with the monsoon and post-monsoon months showing the highest diversity. July and August comprised 83 and 80 species, respectively. In contrast, December and January had the lowest species richness, with 10 and 14 species, respectively. Key determinants were temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall; favourable conditions included June rainfall of 186.7 mm, moderate-to-high temperatures (29.8–31.8°C), and humidity above 60%. Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Hemiptera were dominant throughout the year, whereas insect activity decreased markedly under cold and dry conditions, highlighting temperature as the main abiotic control. The findings demonstrate clear seasonal variation in insect diversity and support continued monitoring of insect communities under the arid campus conditions of Jodhpur.