Biodiversity of aquatic and semi-aquatic insects in Nagpur lakes: Preliminary insights

Abstract

The present preliminary study explores the biodiversity of aquatic as well as semi-aquatic insects living within four freshwater lakes in Nagpur, Maharashtra: Futala, Shukrawari (Gandhisagar), Ambazari and Gorewada. Insects were collected during August 2024 to February 2025 because water nets were used and insects were preserved for identification. In total, sixteen insect species were recorded spanning five orders. These orders included both Hemiptera and Coleoptera as well as Odonata, Orthoptera, and Diptera. Hemiptera was the most dominant order, followed by Coleoptera. These insects are present as well as abundant, showing ecological heterogeneity right across the sites. Their presence in addition to their abundance justify applying them as bioindicators that indicate water quality. The outcome does highlight Nagpur's differing aquatic entomofauna plus it stresses the need for continuous monitoring plus preservation activities because of these protecting freshwater differences in the urban ranges.