Density and Diversity of Benthic may Fly Larvae in a Torrential Hill Stream of Mid Himalaya, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Author: Alka Jaswal, J.M. Julka and Sharanjeet Kaur Kahlon

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Abstract

The present study was conducted for two years from June 2013 to May 2015 to investigate distribution and diversity of mayfly larvae in relation to diverse substrata within a sub-Himalayan stream. The study revealed that substratum plays an important role in may fly distribution patterns. Caenis species was most abundant at site 2 consisting of debris stone and mud and at site 4 with sand cobbles and mud. Epeorus species was found only at site-4 with sand cobbles and mud and absent all other sites.

Keywords

Mayflies, density, diversity, Western Himalaya, India

Conclusion

The present study was conducted for two years from June 2013 to May 2015 to investigate distribution and diversity of mayfly larvae in relation to diverse substrata within a sub-Himalayan stream. The study revealed that substratum plays an important role in may fly distribution patterns. Caenis species was most abundant at site 2 consisting of debris stone and mud and at site 4 with sand cobbles and mud. Epeorus species was found only at site-4 with sand cobbles and mud and absent all other sites.

References

Himachal Pradesh in the northwest region of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot is bestowed with an intricate network of thousands of freshwater torrential streams, which constitute an important source of fisheries as well as source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes (Jhingran, 1975; Julka et al, 1999). The overall health of a stream is related to the diversity, distribution pattern and population of its benthic fauna (Callisto et al, 2007), which are also excellent indicators of water pollution (Gaufin and Tarzwell, 1952), (Sharma and Chowdhary 2011), (Ikhlas et al 2014). Human interference by way of urbanization, extensive use of pesticides in orchards and agriculture fields, deforestation, grazing, etc, are known to affect stream biodiversity (Scrimgeour and Kendall, 2003; Ibemenuga and Inyang, 2006). Regular bio-monitoring and bio-assessment are useful tools for ecosystem management programmes, restoration and maintenance of physico-chemical and biological integrity

How to cite this article

Alka Jaswal, J.M. Julka and Sharanjeet Kaur Kahlon (2017). Density and Diversity of Benthic may Fly Larvae in a Torrential Hill Stream of Mid Himalaya, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India Biological Forum – An International Journal 9(2): 287-293.