Study on distribution patterns of white grub species in relation to abiotic factors in western Maharashtra

Résumé fourni par la source

The present investigation was conducted during 2025-26 to study the distribution pattern of white grub species in relation to prevailing climatic conditions in Western Maharashtra. Field surveys were carried out in five districts namely Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Pune and Solapur representing contrasting agro-climatic conditions. Adult scarabaeid beetles were collected from selected localities following rainfall using light traps, pheromone lures and hand collection from commonly occurring host trees. The collected beetles were identified up to species level and their abundance was analysed district-wise. A total of 4,342 adult beetles representing nineteen species under five subfamilies were recorded. Melolonthinae was the most represented subfamily. Kolhapur recorded the highest collection (2,001 beetles and 19 species), followed by Sangli (798 and 14 species), Pune (539 and 4 species), Satara (531 and 12 species) and Solapur (473 and 4 species). Holotrichia serrata was the most abundant species overall, with 1,104 individuals, and was dominant in Kolhapur, Satara, Pune and Solapur, whereas Phyllognathus dionysius was dominant in Sangli. Adult emergence generally increased after rainfall and attained peak abundance during the active monsoon period. Correlation analysis showed positive associations of beetle emergence with rainfall and relative humidity, whereas maximum temperature, minimum temperature and evaporation showed negative associations. The findings indicated considerable variation in species composition and abundance among districts and demonstrated the importance of rainfall, temperature and atmospheric humidity in determining the occurrence and seasonal activity of white grub beetles in Western Maharashtra.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.