Survey at Pune’s Empress Garden Reveals Fascinating Insect Life
Survey at Pune’s Empress Garden Reveals Fascinating Insect Life
A surprising discovery at the Empress Botanical Garden in Pune led researchers to study insect diversity when half-eaten bread-like pieces were found near the Rupa Rahul Bajaj Centre for Environment and Art (RRBCEA). The culprit turned out to be the cotton stainer bug, which feeds on wild almond seeds, leaving behind a fluffy mass resembling bread.
The garden conducted a year-long insect survey from October 1, 2023, to September 20, 2024. The study aimed to document insect diversity and their microhabitats. It was prompted by an earlier assessment that recorded 40-45 species of insect-eating birds in the garden. Researchers believed there must be enough insect diversity to support them.
The 39-acre survey covered bushes, trees, grass patches, hedge plants, gardens, and wooded regions. A small stream was also studied as it supports insect life, including dragonflies and damselflies. Sampling was divided into three seasons; winter (October to January), summer (February to May), and monsoon (June to September).
The study recorded insects from 10 different orders. Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) were the most common at 30% of total insects. True bugs (Hemiptera) followed at 26%, while dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) made up 19%. Other recorded insects included beetles, grasshoppers, praying mantises, antlions, lacewings, and cockroaches.
Some findings were unexpected. A tortoise beetle was found on a medicinal creeper instead of its usual host plant. Picture Wings, though not rare, were seen in unusually large numbers. Some insects were too difficult to identify at the species level.
The survey recorded insect behavior through photos and videos. A booklet based on the findings will be available from March 26. It also highlights fascinating ecological interactions, such as how the Oleander hawk-moth caterpillar stores toxins from its host plant, making it harmful to predators.
The survey has not only documented biodiversity but also raised new questions about insect interactions with plants and their role in food webs.
