Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Of Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, Akola, Maharashtra

Abstract

Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) play a significant role in regulating terrestrial ecosystems and a subfamily commonly known as Tiger beetles are important bioindicators of habitat quality. The present study was undertaken to assess the diversity and abundance of ground beetles across different habitats of Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, district Akola from June 2024 to March 2025. Systematic sampling was carried out using pitfall traps and hand collection methods across varied microhabitats, including forest, grassland, and agricultural landscapes. A total of 14 species belonging to 9 subfamilies of Carabidae were recorded. Species richness and abundance were highest in the forest habitat, followed by grasslands and agricultural fields. Seasonal variation was evident, with peak abundance during the monsoon months.