Diversity of Insects in the Paddy Fields of Mundakam Vayal, Kannur District, India: A Recent Study

The purpose of this study was to assess the variance in insect populations in paddy plots in the Mundakam Vayal area of Nedungome village, Kannur district. A total of 71 insect species were found in this investigation. A total of 52 species were identified, divided into eight orders. Lepidoptera (12), Odonata (10), and Coleoptera (9) were recorded as the most dominant orders, followed by Araneae (7), Hemiptera (6), Orthoptera (5), Hymenoptera (2), and Diptera (1). Lepidoptera had the largest population density, and both Lepidoptera and Coleoptera had the most species diversity. Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, a member of the Order Lepidoptera, and Leptocorisa oratoria, a member of the Order Hemiptera, were the most abundant species found. During the blooming and milky phases of the rice plant, the overall insect variety and richness rose. The findings show that insect variety in paddy fields achieved a favorable balance between pest populations and paddy's beneficial insects (predators and parasitoids). Insect diversity has the potential to be an effective approach to protect, use, and enhance biodiversity in the Mundakam Vayal area's agricultural ecosystem, ensuring food security.