Study on Distribution and Diversity of Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) in Different Elevational Zones of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Almora, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Beetles were sampled over two years of study in different elevational zones of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in district Almora, Uttarakhand, India. A total of 734 individuals of beetles, representing 23 species, 18 genera and 6 families, were recorded during the study period. On the basis of total number of species Scarabaeidae was the most dominant family with 8 species followed by Chrysomelidae (5 species), Coccinellidae (2 species), Meloidae (2 species), Lagriidae and Tenebrionidae (1 species each), respectively. On the basis of total number of individuals Coccinella septumpunctata Linnaeus was the most abundant species and constituted 16.62% of the total beetles followed by Anomala sp. (13.21%) and Altica himensis Shukla (12.40%). Beetles community showed a significant variation along different elevational zones as abundance and species diversity of beetles declined with increasing altitude across different sites. Climatic variables significantly influenced the beetle community as higher species richness, abundance and diversity were recorded in rainy season followed by summer and winter, respectively.