Ants of India  

HALTERES (Volume-2, 2010)

                                                      CONTENTS

Comparative study on improvement in Pollen Collection Technology

Shazia Raja,  Elizabeth Stephen Waghchoure,  Rashid Mahmood,  Ghulam Sarwar,  Farida Iftikhar and Muhammad Sidddique Munawar........................................................................................1

Biodiversity of the short horned grasshoppers of the tribe Oedipodini (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Acridinae) in Kashmir Himalayas

M. Nayyar Azim, Shabir Ahmad Reshi and Ajaz Hassan Rather..................................................................................................7

Phylogenetic analysis of Indian species of genus Macrophya  Dahlbom (Hymenoptera: Symphyta; Tenthredinidae: Tenthredininae)

M.S. Saini and L. Kaur.....................................................................................................24

Lucilia  calviceps  Bezzi,  new  record  from  India (Diptera: Calliphoridae),  with a revised key to Indian species

Meenakshi Bharti & Hiromu Kurahashi..............................................................................................29

Impact  of  egg  retention on  walking behavior of  Trichogramma  chilonis  (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Muhammad Shakeel, Ahmed Zia, Abid Farid and Zakir Hussain...................................................................................................31

Role  of  honeybees  and  other  insects  in enhancing the yield of Brassica campestris var. sarson

J.S.Tara & Pooja Sharma.....................................................................................................35

Diversity of  Aphidoidea in Rawalpindi Division (Punjab) Pakistan, with a list of host plant studied

Ahmed Zia, Soaib Ali Hassan, Anjum Shehzadand Falak Naz..........................................................................................................38

Phylogenetic  analysis  of  Indian species of genus Himalopsyche Banks (Trichoptera: Spicipalpia; Rhyacophilidae: Rhyacophilinae)

M.S. Saini and L. Kaur.........................................................................................................44

Influence of  foraging  rate and  speed  of  Apis  species (Hymenoptera) on Brassica campestris var. sarson

J.S.Tara and Pooja Sharma.....................................................................................................49

SEM  structure  of  mandibular  sensilla  in the carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus (Fabricius) (Formicidae: Hymenoptera)

Deepak D. Barsagade,  Dnyaneshwar  B.  Tembhare and  Seema G. Kadu.........................................................................................................53

A contribution towards the insect fauna of Vadodara, Gujarat (India): The Order Hemiptera

Dolly Kumar and  Bhumika Naidu........................................................................................................58

Natural parasitism of leaf miner, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on vegetable crops in Kashmir (India)

Deen Mohammad Bhat and R. C. Bhagat......................................................................................................64

Bioecology of  Til Hawk Moth, Acherontia styx Westwood

R.M. Ahirwar and M.P. Gupta........................................................................................................70

Comparative study on improvement in Pollen Collection Technology

Shazia Raja#, Elizabeth Stephen Waghchoure, Rashid Mahmood, Ghulam Sarwar, Farida Iftikhar and Muhammad Sidddique Munawar

Honeybee Research Intstitute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Abstract

A newly designed pollen trap for beehives is disclosed.  The trap includes a single wooden frame, mounted in the frame are two screens having two meshes (0.5mm in size with 0.7mm distance between them) that are fine enough to dislodge granules of pollen from the bees as they crawl through it. The pollen drops down through the screens into pollen tray. This construction permits the pollen trap to virtually occupy all the area of hive to promote good ventilation for dry pollen. The frame fits in the bottom of the hive by inserting it from back side and can be removed easily when not needed. After designing the new trap a trial was laid down on 11/02/2009 in the premises of HBRI on eight colonies. All the colonies selected were alike with respect to number of frames and bees present in them. The colonies were divided into two groups. On the first group the entrance trap was clipped while on the second group the newly devised bottom trap was fitted. The weight of pollen collected was compared and it was found to be significantly different from each other. The total yield of pollen from entrance trap and the fixed bottom trap in gm were found to be 12.55 + 1.66 (Mean + SE) and 22.5 + 1.25 (Mean + SE) respectively. The honey extracted from hives fitted with both types of traps was also compared and no difference was observed in their weight.

Keywords: Pollen, Trap, Bees, Colonies.

Biodiversity of the short horned grasshoppers of the tribe Oedipodini (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Acridinae) in Kashmir Himalayas

M. Nayyar Azim#, Shabir Ahmad Reshi and Ajaz Hassan Rather

Section of Entomology; P.G.Department of Zoology;University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006 (J & K).

Abstract

Tribe Oedipodini is redefined. Key to genera of Oedipodini found in Kashmir and diagnostic characters of each genus are given. Key to species wherever necessary along with their habitats are also given.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Oedipodini, Kashmir.

Phylogenetic analysis of Indian species of genus Macrophya  Dahlbom (Hymenoptera: Symphyta; Tenthredinidae: Tenthredininae)

M.S. Saini and L. Kaur

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala, India.

Abstract

Phylogenetic analysis was performed for 14 species of the genus Macrophya (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) using the phylogenetic analysis package PAUP, based on 15 of the morphological characters most commonly used for Macrophya  species identification. Species descriptions were derived primarily from “Indian Sawflies Biodiversity” vol. II  (Saini 2007). Parsimony analysis, using equally weighted characters, produced 48 trees. The results are discussed in terms of evolutionary trends or biological maxim that “nature prefer to modify the already existing structures so as to cope with new needs.”

Keywords: Phylogenetic analysis, Macrophya, Evolutionary trends.

Lucilia calviceps Bezzi, new record from India (Diptera: Calliphoridae), with a revised key to Indian species

Meenakshi Bharti & Hiromu Kurahashi

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala, (Pb.) 147002 India.

  International Department of Dipterology, Hikawadai 1-2-21, Higashikurume City,  Tokyo 203-0004, Japan.

Abstract

Lucilia calviceps Bezzi is newly recorded from India, a revised key is provided with all the Indian species.

Keywords: Lucilia calviceps, New record, India, Revised key.

Impact of egg retention on walking behavior of Trichogramma chilonis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Muhammad Shakeel, Ahmed Zia, Abid Farid and Zakir Hussain

University of Agriculture, Peshawer.

National Insect Museum-NARC, Islamabad.

 Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

IPDM Laboratories Directorate of Agriculture Northern Areas-Gilgit.

Abstract

In the present study effect of egg retention on walking behavior of females of Trichogramma chilonis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) was investigated under laboratory conditions by using a computer based, Abid’s trackmove software. Results revealed that 3 days old wasps showed significant increase in their walking activity for searching host eggs as compared to 1 day and 2 days old wasps respectively.  

Keywords: Trichogramma, Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae, Walking behaviour, Egg retention. 

Role of  honeybees and other insects in enhancing the yield of Brassica campestris var. sarson

J.S.Tara & Pooja Sharma

Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, Jammu (Tawi) 180006, J&K, India.

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative effects of pollination on fruit set; number of seeds per siliqua and mean weight of 100 seeds were compared in controlled and open pollinated plants of sarson. Percent fruit set, number of seeds per siliqua and mean seed weight of 100 seeds were significantly (P<0.01) higher in open pollinated viz., 8.09, 9.37 and 141.86 than in controlled ones. Moreover, seeds of open pollinated plants were larger in size and viable than controlled ones. The crop was visited by many insect pollinators but Apis dorsata followed by Apis mellifera and Apis cerana were observed to be the most common pollinating species.

Keywords: Pollination, Brassica campestris var. sarson, Apis dorsata, A. mellifera, A. cerana.

Diversity of Aphidoidea in Rawalpindi Division (Punjab) Pakistan, with a list of host plant studied

        Ahmed Zia, Soaib Ali Hassan, Anjum Shehzad and Falak Naz

 National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan.

Pir Meher Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi – Pakistan.

 National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan.

 National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan.

Abstract

Aphids were collected from different hosts in four districts of Rawalpindi Division (Punjab), Pakistan. A total of 700 specimens were collected, yielding eight species under eight genera. Details regarding valid names, body size, distribution and general body characters of collected specimens alongwith their host plants are discussed in this paper. Richness and abundance of species was also studied. Further surveys are needed to unhide the existing fauna of Aphidoidea from the area.

Keywords: Diversity, Aphidoidea, Pakistan, Punjab, Rawalpindi.

Phylogenetic analysis of Indian species of genus Himalopsyche Banks (Trichoptera: Spicipalpia; Rhyacophilidae: Rhyacophilinae)

M.S. Saini and L. Kaur

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala, India.

Abstract

Phylogenetic analysis was conducted for 19 species of the genus Himalopsyche (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae) using the phylogenetic analysis package PAUP, based on 12 of the morphological characters most commonly used for Himalopsyche species identification. Species descriptions were primarily taken from literature contributed by Morton (1900), Martynov (1930, 1935, 1936), Kimmins (1952) and Schmid (1963,1966). Parsimony analysis, using equally weighted characters, produced 27 trees and the strict consensus tree derived from these identified two groupings are to be present in all 27 trees. The results are discussed in terms of evolutionary trends or remarkable diversity of genitalic types in the males.

Keywords: Phylogenetic analysis, Trichoptera, Himalopsyche, Genitalic types.

Influence of foraging rate and speed of Apis species (Hymenoptera) on Brassica campestris var. sarson

J.S.Tara and Pooja Sharma

Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, Jammu (Tawi) 180006, J&K, India.

Abstract 

Foraging rate and speed of three species of Apis cerana, A. mellifera and A. dorsata were studied in the fields of sarson at Pallimore and Hiranagar at three different hours of the day viz., 0900, 1200 and 1500 hours in order to determine the number of flowers visited per bee at a particular time. At both Pallimore and Hiranagar, A. dorsata spent significantly more time than A. cerana and A. mellifera at 0900hours, whereas no significant (P>0.05) differences were observed between the three Apis species at 1200 and 1500 hours of the day. However number of flowers visited/bee/minute by A. mellifera were significantly (P<0.05) more than A. dorsata and A. cerana at 0900 and 1200 hours at Pallimore but no such significant differences (P>0.05) were observed at 1500 hours of the day. Similarly at Hiranagar, A. mellifera visits significant (P<0.05) number of flowers/ minute at 1200hours than A. dorsata and A.cerana, whereas at 0900 and 1500 hours no such significant differences were observed (P>0.05).

Keywords: Apis cerana, Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata, Brassica campestris, Foraging.

SEM structure of mandibular sensilla in the carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus (Fabricius) (Formicidae: Hymenoptera)

Deepak D. Barsagade#,  Dnyaneshwar  B.  Tembhare and  Seema G. Kadu

Department of Zoology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur India-440033.

Abstract

The moutparts in all polymorphic forms of carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are adapted for grasping and feeding the prey. The mandibles are unsegmented, strongly sclerotized, large, shovel like, cuticular and powerful structures. The  mandibles consist of dorsal sensilla trichoidea DT-I, DT -II and DT-III and on the ventral side  VT-I, VT-II and the Sensilla basiconica VB in female and workers, while similar type of sensilla are found in male except sensilla basiconica. Each mandible consists of four incisor and three molar teeth in female and workers  while only two incisor  teeth are present in male.

Keywords:  Camponotus compressus, SEM, Mandible, Sensilla.

A contribution towards the insect fauna of Vadodara, Gujarat (India): The Order Hemiptera

Dolly Kumar# and  Bhumika Naidu

Department of Zoology,Faculty of Science,

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,Vadodara-390002.

Abstract

Present study was undertaken to assess the diversity of the Order Hemiptera as well as its extent of changes in species composition from one habitat to another. Both agricultural fields and urban ecosystems were studied as there are 62 gardens and agricultural fields all around Vadodara. The results show that this city sustains a good diversity of 58 species, 51 genera and 22 families of hemipterans. Agricultural fields and urban areas had higher abundance and diversity of the families viz, Pentatomidae, Coriedae, Reduviidae and Aphididae,  whereas families Lophopidae, Cicadidae,  Dinidoridae and Acanthosomatidae  were less in number. Turnover diversity along habitats was found to be  same.

Keywords: Pentatomidae, Agro and urban ecosystem, Species diversity, Percentage population.

Natural parasitism of leaf miner, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on vegetable crops in Kashmir (India)

 Deen Mohammad Bhat# and R. C. Bhagat

Entomology Research Lab., P. G. Deptt. of Zoology, University of Kashmir,

Hazratbal  Srinagar, J&K India-190006.

Abstract

The present paper reports the occurrence of 7 hymenopteran parasitoids of Agromyzid leaf miner, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) for the first time from Kashmir (India). The various parasitoids recorded are 5 eulophids (Chrysocharis horticola Mani, Diglyphus horticola Khan, Diglyphus Sp., Pediobius indicus Khan and Euderus agromyzae) and 2 braconids (Opius Sp. and Dacnusa Sp.). Dacnusa Sp. is also a new parasitoid record of C. horticola for India. Some field observation have been made on the seasonal occurrence, distribution and percentage of parasitoids of C. horticola recorded in various vegetable crop fields in different areas and regions of Kashmir.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Parasitoids, Chromatomyia horticola, Eulophidae, Kashmir.

Bioecology of  Til Hawk Moth, Acherontia styx Westwood

R.M. Ahirwar# and M.P. Gupta

Jawahar Lal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Department of Entomology,

College of Agriculture, Tikamgarh-472 001 M.P., India.

Abstract

The bioecology of til hawk moth, Acherontia styx Westwood was studied on Sesamum indicum (Linn.) variety TKG-22 under field and lab. condition during 2004-06. The eggs were globular in shape, yellow in colour with 0.70-0.95 mm in size. The incubation period of the eggs was 2-4 days with the neonate period of 10-15 minutes. There were five larval instars and length of the completely developed larva was 68-79 mm with larval period of 20-21 days. The maximum larvae were obtained  during late August to September. The pre-pupal and pupal periods were 3-4 and 14-23 days respectively, with pupae conical in shape. The mating was always at morning (0.07-0.10 minutes) followed by oviposition (24 to 36 hours) with fecundity of 5-8. Life span of the adult was 3-5 days, total life cycle was completed in 39-52 days. Mean adult emergence (%), sex ratio and growth index were 95 to 100%, 1:1 and 2.64 to 2.27 respectively. There are only three generations in a year. The plants were infested to the extent of 31.6% by this insect. Maximum damage is caused during September-October.

Keywords: Bioecology, Acherontia styx Westwood.

Halteres (Volume-1, 2009)

CONTENTS

Diversity of the ground inhabiting ant fauna at Department of Atomic Energy campus, Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu)

T. Ramesh2, K. Jahir Hussain1, M. Selvanayagam2 and K. K. Satpathy1........1

1. Environmental and Industrial Safety Section, Safety Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam-603102 (Tamil Nadu)2.Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy (LIFE), Loyola College, Chennai, India-600 034.

Abstract

Ant sampling was carried out in different locations of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Campus at Kalpakkam during dry season (March – June 2008). Pit-fall traps and hand-picking methods were used to collect ants from 20 different sampling sites. A total of 31 species, 15 genera, and 5 subfamilies of ants were collected. The Myrmicinae were the most common, with 7 genera and 16 species, followed by the Formicinae (4 genera and 8 species), the Ponerinae (2 genera and 2 species), the Pseudomyrmecinae (1 genus and 4 species) and the Dolichoderinae was represented by only 1 species. Interestingly 86.6% of the genera, 83.8% of the species, and 92.4% of the individuals collected belonged to three subfamilies (Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, and Formicinae). The five most species-rich genera were Monomorium, Camponotus, Tetraponera, Crematogaster and Tetramorium. The taxonomic structure of the myrmecofauna sampled, resembles that of Western and Eastern Ghats and other tropical regions in two ways: Firstly, many rare species and a few abundant species: Secondly, the dominance of subfamilies such as Myrmicinae, Ponerinae and Formicinae. The species accumulation curve indicated that the likelihood of getting more number of species in DAE campus and this finding was supported by rarefaction curve.

Keywords: Ant diversity, Ground-inhabiting ants, Pit-fall trap, DAE Campus, Kalpakkam.

Diversity and Abundance of ants along an elevational gradient in Jammu-Kashmir Himalaya - I

Himender Bharti and Yash Paul Sharma............................................................10

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala (Pb.) India-147002

Abstract

Ant diversity was studied at an altitude of 1000mtrs and 2000mtrs above mean sea level along an elevational gradient in Jammu-Kashmir Himalaya. Ants were collected with the help of pitfall traps, winkler’s and hand collection along a transect of 250mtrs at each site. Species richness was estimated with the help of Colwell’s EstimatorS. Subfamily Myrmicinae has been found to be 66%, followed by Formicinae 26.81%, Ponerinae 4.84% and Dolichoderinae 2.35%. The data generated reflects that  with decrease in temperature and humidity, composition of species changes as in case of Myrmicinae, the generalist species are replaced by more high altitude specialists like Myrmica  and Aphaenogaster. In case of Formicinae, the interpretation resembles Myrmicinae as cold specialist Formica increases in abundance. But interestingly, the overall  abundance increases from 1000mtrs to 2000mtrs with number of species almost same at both the elevations.

Keywords: Ants, diversity, species richness, species abundance, elevational gradient, estimation indices, Jammu- Kashmir Himalaya.  

Influence of Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans Parasatization on the Protein profile and RNA content of Apis mellifera L. worker brood

Pooja Badotra, Neelima R. Kumar and Shalini Sharma.....................................25

Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

Abstract

Protein profile and RNA content of Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans infested Apis mellifera L. worker brood was studied and compared with non- infested brood. It was observed that total protein concentration in whole body extract was higher in non-infested pupa. The number of protein fractions obtained on SDS-PAGE were however more in the pupa infested with mite. The concentration of RNA was higher in healthy pupa as compared to infested one suggesting reduced transcription of genes encoding peptides and proteins.

Keywords:  Apis mellifera, Varroa jacobsoni, Protein profile, Worker brood.

Diversity of Odonata in District  Poonch and  Sudhnoti of  Kashmir  Valley – Pakistan, with a new record for the country 

Muhammad Ather Rafi1, Muhammad Rafique Khan2, Ahmed Zia3 and  Anjum Shehzad4.............................................................................................................28

1. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan 2. University College of Agriculture, Rawalakot – Kashmir 3. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan 4. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan.

Abstract

Detailed surveys were carried out from two districts viz. Poonch and  Sudhnoti of Kashmir Valley during summer seasons of 2007 and 2008 to make an updated record of inhabiting Odonata. Ten localities were selected on the basis of variables keeping in view the habitat requirements of Odonata. The present study provides a record of 16 Anisopterous species spreading to 9 genera and 29 Zygopterous species spreading to 14 genera. Among these Lestes patricia is a new record for the country. The distribution, synonymy, richness and abundance of the species are discussed in this paper. The  Kashmir Valley is rich in insect biodiversity, the odonate fauna of this valley needs to be further explored.

Keywords: Odonata, Poonch, Sudhnoti, Kashmir Valley.

Seasonal Patterns of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Punjab Shivalik

Himender Bharti, Yash Paul Sharma and Amritdeep Kaur................................36

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala (Pb.) India-147002

Abstract

Seasonal patterns of Ants were analysed in five seasons in Punjab Shivalik range of North-West Himalaya. Various collection methods like Pitfall traps, Winkler’s, Fish bait and Hand picking were used. 40 species belonging to 8 subfamilies have been observed for seasonal patterns and subfamily Myrmicinae followed by Formicinae were found to be dominant. Temperature and Relative humidity have been correlated with seasonal patterns.

Keywords: Seasonal patterns, Ants, Shivalik, Disturbed ecosystem, Anthropogenic activity, North-West Himalaya.

Occurrence of Odonata in Northern areas of Pakistan with seven new records

Ahmed Zia1, Muhammad Ather Rafi2,  Zakir Hussain3 and  Muhammad Naeem4

1. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan 2. National Insect Museum, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad – Pakistan 3. Department of Agriculture, Gilgit – Northern Areas, Pakistan 4. Department of Entomology, Pir Meher Ali Shah Arid Agriculture  University, Rawalpindi – Pakistan.

Abstract

The study was undertaken to explore the Odonata (Dragonflies & Damselflies) of Northern Areas of Pakistan. The area has an assemblage of high mountains with unlimited water resources in the form of rivers, streams, springs and melted snow. New records of Odonata need to be explored from the area. The surveys were carried out during the months of April – August for four consecutive years (2004 – 2008). Help was also taken from the collection housed at National Insect Museum, Islamabad. Valid names alongwith their synonyms, distribution, habitat description and abundance for all the collected species are discussed in this paper. As total, 21 genera spreading to  37 species of Odonata, comprising of seven new records for the area including one new record for the country have been presented. A checklist for the area has also been included.

Keywords: Odonata, Dragonflies, Damselflies, Northern Areas, Pakistan.

Influence of Foraging time, Flight activity patterns and Duration of a foraging trip of Apis species (order: Hymenoptera) on Brassica campestris var. Sarson

J.S. Tara and Pooja Sharma...............................................................................57

Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, Jammu (J&K), India- 180 006.

 Abstract

Foraging behaviour of Apis cerana and Apis mellifera was studied at two field stations- Pallimore and Hiranagar in district Kathua of Jammu region (J&K), in order to determine their potential for working hours in the fields of sarson. Single colonies of each species were placed in the fields till the end of flowering. Commencement of the foraging activity of Apis cerana (0624±0.91 and  0622±0.55 hrs) was significantly earlier (P<0.0001) than A. mellifera (0648±0.68 and 0645±0.98 hrs) at both the fields respectively. However in the evening, A. cerana mean timings: 1842±0.84 and 1844±1.07 hrs, ceased its foraging activity significantly later (P<0.001) than A. mellifera mean timings: 1813±1.06 and 1817±2.10 hrs respectively at both the fields. For flight activity patterns,  A. mellifera reached its maxima (0800-1400 hrs) before A. cerana (1000-1200 hrs) at Pallimore, while at Hiranagar peak activity of Apis cerana lies between 1000-1300 hours and that of A. mellifera lies between 1000-1400 hours.                                                                                                                                                Duration of foraging trip was significantly more (P<0.05) in A. mellifera (24.14 minutes) than A. cerana (22.97 minutes) at Pallimore, but no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed at Hiranagar for A. cerana (23.77 minutes) and A. mellifera (24.54 minutes).      

Keywords: - Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, Brassica campestris, Foraging.

Some notes on medically important flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from India

Meenakshi Bharti................................................................................................66

Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala (Pb.) India-147002

Abstract

Many cases of myiasis are reported every year from India, but in most of these cases the correct identification of fly maggots is lacking. Moreover, calliphorids and other families of Diptera like Sarcophagidae, Muscidae are vectors of number of diseases like cholera, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever, leprosy, tuberculosis etc. Keeping in view the medical importance of these flies, an attempt is made to enlist the calliphorid species from India.

Keywords: Myiasis, Calliphoridae, India.

Biochemical changes in the midgut during metamorphosis in Apis cerana indica

Deepak D. Barsagade, Kalpana M. Kelwadkar and Mangala N. Kadwey.........72

Department of Zoology, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, India-440033.

Abstract

The digestive cells of midgut are responsible for the secretion of various enzymes and absorption of nutrients. During the process of metamorphosis midgut passes through, histolysis and histogenesis. As a result, destruction of larval tissue and construction of adult tissue occurs. The present work thus carried out is to know the changes that occurr in the biomolecules like DNA, RNA, Proteins, Carbohydrates etc., in relation with the remodeling of gut. Along with these biomolecules, various enzymes like amylase, invertase, protease and lipase are also estimated to know their status during metamorphosis of midgut in Apis cerana indica.

Keywords- Apis cerana indica, Midgut, Metamorphosis, Biomolecules.

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