Taxonomic studies on families coreidae and lygaeidae (hemipter: heteroptera) from north India supplemented with rapid markers

Abstract

The research work has been carried out on an entomological problem entitled, Taxonomic studies on families Coreidae and Lygaeidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from North India supplemented with RAPD markers . The thesis has been compiled under the chapters introduction, review of literature, materials and methods, observations and discussion, general conclusions and scope for further research, summary and literature cited. In introduction first of all the importance of biodiversity is discussed and the role of taxonomy for conservation and maintenance of biodiversity has been stressed upon. General and diagnostic characters of families Coreidae and Lygaeidae are discussed. Classification of family given by Schuh and Slater (1995) has been followed. Economic importance of the families has also been discussed followed by need and importance of RAPD technique. An exhaustive review has been provided about the suborder Heteroptera, subfamilies Coreidae and Lygaeidae. It is followed by review of literature for molecular techniques in insect taxonomy in general with particular reference to RAPD. The present study is based upon the examination of approximately 1100 adult specimens referable to two subfamilies, 12 genera and 38 species belonging to family Coreidae and 900 adult specimens referable to 5 subfamilies, 19 genera and 28 species under the family Lygaeidae. Collection tours were arranged during November, 2008 to October, 2011 covering different states of North India viz., Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and some parts of Jammu and Kashmir, union territory of Chandigarh and NCR region of New Delhi. Various methods have been used for collection of bugs e. g. by beating vegetation, by sorting leaf litter, sweeping net method, with the help of light trap method etc. Mounting of insects was done in two ways- pin mounting and card mounting. The collection was preserved in air tight boxes which were periodically fumigated.