Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part H (2025)

The study conducted over two years (2022-2024) in Oney village, Nashik district of Maharashtra state - 422302, revealed significant insect biodiversity across various habitats, including agricultural fields, fruit orchards and riverine areas. A total of 36 species across 12 insect orders were identified, with 626 individual insects sampled. The dominant orders were Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera, accounting for over half of the total insect population. Diptera had the highest abundance with 130 individuals, including economically important pests like Melon fly Bactrocera cucurbitae and Mango fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis, alongside forensic importance species such as blowflies. Lepidoptera, including pests like Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura, posed a considerable threat to crops. Hymenoptera, responsible for pollination and natural pest control, included species like Apis dorsata and Oecophylla ants. Other orders, such as Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Thysanoptera, added to the ecological balance. The observed insect-host plant relationships highlight the specificity and complexity in this region’s agro-ecosystem. This baseline data establishes the foundation for future detailed studies incorporating statistical diversity analysis and environmental factors, aiding the design of sustainable integrated pest management and conservation strategies in the area.