Species diversity of parasitic flies of family Tachinidae (Diptera) in some habitats of Mazandaran province

Abstract

In the present study, the relative abundance and species diversity indices of family Tachinidae were evaluated based on continuous and regular sampling using Malaise traps in seven regions of Mazandaran province during 2011. A total of 280 specimens belonging to 48 species, 38 genera and 4 subfamilies of this family were collected and identified. Species of subfamily Tachininae are the most abundant in the studied areas, followed by Phasiinae. Subfamilies Exoristinae with 16 species and 15 genera and Tachininae with 14 species and 12 genera had the highest number of species and genera in this study. Among the 48 species collected in Mazandaran province, 26 species were single samples. Biodiversity indices showed a significantly difference between studied areas of Mazandran province (P≤ 0.05) based on Simpson and Shannon & Wiener diversity indices. Ghaznasera the elevated area with diverse vegetation, had the highest values of species richness and species diversity indices among the studied areas, followed by Tanghevaz region (forest vegetation). The lowest values of these indices and highest value of Pielou-J evenness, belonged to Jorband, including areas near the sea and rice fields. Also, a positive correlation between biodiversity indices and altitude of studied areas was observed.

Keywords

• fauna
• natural enemies
• relative abundance
• species richness