Research conducted by Flora Fauna Nusantara (FFN) in the Grajagan Resort area of Alas Purwo National Park documented diverse insect communities from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, and Odonata, reflecting the ecological importance of the area for biodiversity conservation.
Inventory of Coleoptera, Diptera, and Odonata in Alas Purwo National Park
Flora Fauna Nusantara (FFN) conducted a study on insect diversity in the Grajagan Resort area of Alas Purwo National Park in 2022. The research aimed to document insect diversity within the area as part of biodiversity exploration and conservation efforts.
Sampling activities were carried out using several methods adjusted to each insect group. Coleoptera specimens were collected using pitfall traps and sticky traps, while Diptera and Odonata observations were conducted through road sampling methods and insect net collection.
Pitfall Trap
Sticky Trap
Insect Net
The study revealed that the Grajagan Resort area possesses relatively high insect diversity from three major insect orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, and Odonata.
Coleoptera Group
Within the Coleoptera group, the research documented 8 beetle species distributed across the Grajagan Resort area. The presence of these beetles indicates their ecological importance, particularly in supporting decomposition processes and maintaining ecosystem balance.
The recorded Coleoptera species included:
- Coccinella sp.
- Catharsius sp.
- Anomala inepta
- Paragymnopleurus sparsus
- Dactylispa sp.
- Chilocorus sp.
- Senodonia sp.
- Anomala sp.
One particularly interesting species documented during the study was Paragymnopleurus sparsus, commonly recognized as a dung beetle. This species contributes to natural soil fertility through its role in organic matter decomposition.
Paragymnopleurus sparsus
Diptera Group
The Diptera group consisted of 10 recorded species found within the study area. This group includes various flies and mosquitoes with ecological roles ranging from decomposers to predators.
The recorded Diptera species included:
- Aedes aegypti
- Armigeres subalbatus
- Toxorhynchites splendens
- Culex quinquefasciatus
- Chrysomya megacephala
- Drosophila hydei
- Drosophila melanogaster
- Musca domestica
- Promachus yesonicus
- Sarcophaga sp.
Interestingly, one of the species identified during the research was Toxorhynchites splendens, a mosquito species that does not feed on human blood. Instead, this species acts as a predator of other mosquito larvae, contributing to natural biological control within ecosystems.
Toxorhynchites splendens
Odonata Group
Within the Odonata group, the study successfully identified 8 species. Dragonflies and damselflies are widely recognized as important bioindicators of aquatic environmental quality.
The recorded Odonata species included:
- Agrionoptera insignis
- Lathrecista asiatica
- Neurothemis terminata
- Orthetrum chrysis
- Orthetrum sabina
- Pantala flavescens
- Potamarcha congener
- Gynacantha bayadera
One notable species documented during the study was Orthetrum sabina, a dragonfly species known as an active predator that contributes to maintaining insect population balance within ecosystems.
Orthetrum sabina
These findings demonstrate that the ecosystem within the Grajagan Resort area still supports the survival of various insect communities. The study also provides important scientific information for conservation efforts aimed at maintaining biodiversity sustainability in Alas Purwo National Park.
