Diversity and Abundance of Bees and Wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) in North Central Bhutan

Abstract

Bees and wasps (Aculeata: Hymenoptera) are group of insects which plays important roles in agriculture and are economically valuable species. The occurrence of these species depends on the climatic and non-climatic factors. This paper documents the bee and wasp diversity and their distribution based on the altitudinal gradient and land use in the Bumthang and Trongsa dzongkhags. The data were collected using opportunistic visual encounter and transect walk method over a period of eight months from September, 2015 to May, 2016. The research documented 12 species of bees and 22 species of wasps that belong to four and eight different sub-families respectively. Species diversity and richness were higher in the altitudinal range of 1501-2000 m asl. This study is expected to serve as a baseline data for future research and reflects on the importance of habitat conservation of these important taxa.

Water conditions influence the detectability of Crossodactylus gaudichaudii (Anura, Hylodidae) in streams of the Atlantic Forest

“…Although some amphibians are relatively tolerant and able to survive in acidic environments, studies have demonstrated that low pH can lead to increased mortality among species that are sensitive to acidic water, resulting in decreased hatching success and negatively affecting amphibian growth and development (Gosner & Black, 1957; Pierce, 1985). As a result, some species of amphibians can be more abundant in aquatic environments with a more alkaline or neutral, pH (Tenzin & Dhendup, 2017). We observed a negative relationship between the detectability of C. gaudichaudii and pH, with a higher probability of detection at lower pH levels.…”

Diversity and spatial distribution of native bees in Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Philippines

“…This indicates the low suitability of the area for nesting causing altitudinal variation in the distribution of nests. Although high altitude can have diverse and rich bee species (Tenzin and Katel, 2019), abundance and species richness decline at increasing altitudes (Hoiss et al, 2012;Karunaratn and Edirisinghe, 2009). Interestingly, Figuera (2020) reported an increasing trend in bee diversity with increasing altitude but stressed the distinctive difference in community structure along the elevation gradient.…”

New distribution record of fish Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) (Siluriformes: Ailiidae) from the Sarpang District in southern central part of Bhutan

“…With this new addition, Bhutan now has 126 fish species (DoFPS studies of Bhokta & Solanki (2020) was also referred for confirmation. Meanwhile, the specimen was collected and euthanized using 0.001 percent clove oil and treated in 10% formalin for fixation as per Gurung et al (2012) and Tenzin & Dhendup (2017) and it is currently deposited in the Laboratory of the Southern Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (SWRRC) in Sarpang District. Fin formula is the key feature been used for identification and comparison as tabulated (Table 1).…”