Insect diversity of Sri Lankamalleswara Reserve forest in the Eastern Ghats of Southern Andhra Pradesh

Insect diversity at Sri Lankamalleswara reserve forest (14°45' - 14°72' N & 79°07' - 78°80' E), Kadapa in the Eastern Ghats of Southern Andhra Pradesh was studied during the period from June 2013 to September 2014. Nearly 75 species of butterflies, 12 moth species from Lepidoptera; 4 ant species, one wasp, 6 bee species from Hymenoptera; 7 cricket species of Orthoptera; 5 bug species from Hemiptera; 3 mosquito species, 4 housefly species, 2 species of flies from Diptera; 8 species of dragon flies, 2 species of damselflies from Odonata; 3 beetles from Coleopteran; one species each from Thysanura; and Mantodea and 2 species from Phasmatodea; one species each from class Arachnida and Diploda were identified. The seasonality, relative abundance and diversity of some insect groups was also recorded. Majority of the insects are very much required for pollination. Some insects produce useful substances such as honey, wax, lacquer and silk.