Diversity of Aquatic Insects in Karamana River, Southern Western Ghats, India

The River Karamana, a west flowing perennial drainage originates from the hills of Agasthyarkoodam, part of Southen Western Ghats. The present study will contribute towards the knowledge of the assessment of population and species diversity of aquatic insects of the River. Monthly sampling of aquatic insects was conducted at seven stations of the river during May 2014 to Oct.2014. A total of 47 genera belong to 7 orders and 28 families were identified. Among them, the order Hemiptera (46 %) was the most dominant, followed by the order Coleoptera (22 %). Statistical analysis was done by appropriate statistical tools. The study shows many parts of the river started to deteriorate hence the complete absence or less abundance of sensitive/ pollution intolerant species are less in the study. Therefore immediate attention and proper maintenance of the river is to be suggested.