DefinePK

Research Objective

To explore the species diversity of insect order Trichoptera in a section of River Dorr in district Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Methodology

Field experiments were conducted from January to June 2018 in a section of River Dorr, District Abbottabad. Four sites were selected along the river. Kicking and hand-picking techniques were used with a D-frame kick net (200 mesh per square inch) to collect samples. Samples were washed, sorted, and preserved in 70% alcohol. Identification was performed using a magnifier and an Olympus SZX7 stereo-microscope up to the family level. Data was analyzed using Simpson's Diversity Index (D) and Shannon-Weiner Index (H).

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Select Study Area and Sites] --> B[Collect Trichoptera Larvae using Kick Net];
    B --> C[Preserve Samples in 70% Alcohol];
    C --> D[Identify Larvae to Family Level using Microscope and Keys];
    D --> E[Count Individuals per Family];
    E --> F[Analyze Data using Simpson's and Shannon-Weiner Indices];
    F --> G[Interpret Results and Draw Conclusions];                    

Discussion

The abundance of Hydropsychidae correlates with their ability to inhabit waters with low oxygen concentration. The seasonal variation in Trichoptera numbers, with a peak in March and a decline in April due to heavy rainfall and increased water flow, is attributed to environmental factors. The decline in May and June is linked to larval maturation into adults. Despite pollution from recreational activities and waste dumping in Harnoi stream, it still provides suitable breeding grounds for Caddis flies.

Key Findings

A total of 243 individuals of Trichoptera larvae were sampled, belonging to five families: Hydropsychidae, Hydroptilidae, Leptoceridae, Phryganeidae, and Polycentropodidae. Hydropsychidae (37.03%), Hydroptilidae (30.86%), and Leptoceridae (29.21%) were the most abundant families. Phryganeidae (2.46%) and Polycentropodidae (0.41%) were the least encountered. Greater species diversity was observed in early-late March. Site A (upstream) showed higher diversity (93 individuals) compared to Site C (downstream, 46 individuals).

Conclusion

The study successfully explored the species diversity of Trichoptera larvae in River Dorr, Abbottabad, identifying key families and their relative abundance. The findings highlight the importance of Trichoptera as bioindicators and the influence of environmental factors and pollution on their diversity.

Fact Check

* A total of 243 individuals of Trichoptera larvae were sampled. (Confirmed in Abstract and Results)
* Five families of Trichoptera were identified: Hydropsychidae, Hydroptilidae, Leptoceridae, Phryganeidae, and Polycentropodidae. (Confirmed in Abstract and Results)
* The study was conducted in 2018. (Confirmed in Abstract and Materials and Methods)

Mind Map