“Faunal Diversity of Antlions (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) From Kolhapur Regions of Western Maharashtra”

Abstract

Antlions (Insecta: Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) are ecologically important predatory insects commonly associated with dry, sandy habitats. The present study documents the faunal diversity of antlions from the Kolhapur region of Western Maharashtra, India, an area that remains poorly explored with respect to neuropteran insects. Field surveys were carried out in selected habitats of Kolhapur district during different seasons, focusing on sandy riverbeds, agricultural fallow lands, forest fringes, and scrub areas. Antlion larvae were recorded through pit-trap observations, while adults were collected using light traps and visual sampling methods. Species identification was based on standard morphological characters and available taxonomic keys.
The study recorded multiple antlion species belonging to different genera of the family Myrmeleontidae, indicating moderate species richness in the region. Variations in species occurrence and abundance were observed across habitats and seasons, with higher diversity during the summer and pre-monsoon periods. The dominance of certain species suggests their better adaptation to local environmental conditions such as soil texture, temperature, and prey availability. The presence of diverse antlion taxa highlights the ecological significance of Kolhapur’s sandy microhabitats.