Abstract: A preliminary study was conducted in Tumkur University campus, Tumakuru to focus on the diversity of ants and scale insects species which have been mutually associated with each other. The study includes the visual observation, photography and identification of associated partners and their host plants. In the study area a total of 18 species of scale insects belong to 5 families were found infesting 20 different host plants and associated with 12 species of ants from 6 genera of 3 subfamilies of Formicidae. The genus Crematogaster was found to be more diversified with 7 species and associated with 12 species of scale insects. The scale insect family Coccidae was dominated with 5 genera and 9 species associated with 7 species of ants followed by Pseudococcidae with 5 genera and 6 species associated with 8 ant species. The ecological factors of the study area have attributed to the occurrence of wide variety of scale insects and their association with ant species. The study provides a base line data for future research work on integrated pest management and further its implication to agricultural crops.
Keywords: Scale insects, mutual association, Formicidae, Tumkur University.
Title: Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) and Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Association in Tumkur University Campus, Tumakuru, India
Author: Kokilamani A. L, Lakshmishree S, U, Mahalakshmi E, Ramya K. P, Varsha Vishwanatha Rajapuri
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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