First Record of Laccotrephes sp. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Nepidae) from Masai Pathar, Panhala, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The present study reports the occurrence of a water scorpion, Laccotrephes sp. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Nepidae), from Masai Pathar, Panhala, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, India. The specimen was recorded during a field survey conducted in the monsoon season from a shallow seasonal freshwater pool on the lateritic plateau. Members of the family Nepidae are predatory aquatic insects that play an important ecological role in freshwater ecosystems by regulating populations of aquatic invertebrates. The recorded specimen was identified based on its characteristic elongated body, raptorial forelegs, and long caudal respiratory siphon. Masai Pathar is a biodiversity-rich lateritic plateau in the northern Western Ghats, but information on its aquatic insect fauna remains limited. This record contributes to the faunal inventory of the region and highlights the ecological significance of temporary freshwater habitats occurring on lateritic plateaus. Further systematic surveys are recommended to document the diversity, distribution, ecology, and conservation status of aquatic Hemiptera in this unique ecosystem.