A Comparative Analysis of Entomofaunal Diversity Across Ecosystems in Southern Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Entomofauna, the insect fauna of a region, represents a significant aspect of biodiversity, contributing to key ecological processes such as pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Southern Tamil Nadu, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to agricultural lands, provides a unique setting for studying entomofaunal diversity. This study offers a comparative analysis of insect species richness and diversity across three main ecosystems in the region: tropical forests, coastal wetlands, and agricultural lands. Field surveys were conducted to collect insect samples, and species richness, abundance, and diversity indices were calculated to assess the entomofaunal communities. The results indicate that tropical forests exhibit the highest levels of biodiversity, while agricultural lands show reduced diversity, particularly in areas with intensive agricultural practices. Coastal wetlands, though offering unique habitats, show species richness that is more sensitive to seasonal changes and human impacts. This paper explores how ecological factors, such as vegetation cover, temperature, and human activities, shape insect communities across these ecosystems and offers recommendations for maintaining entomofaunal diversity in Southern Tamil Nadu.