SURVEY OF NOCTURNAL INSECTS USING WHITE AND YELLOW LIGHT TRAPS IN A UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors
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Avar-Tsue, Stephanie Mdzuami
Department of Biological Sciences, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria
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Targuma, Theophilus Alphonsus
Department of Biological Sciences, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria
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Ocheche, Emiene Victoria
Department of Biological Sciences, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated the diversity and abundance of nocturnal insects trapped using white and yellow light traps on the campus of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University (formerly, Benue State University), Makurdi, Nigeria. Modified traps using white light and yellow lights as sources of light were attached to plastic containers containing water and placed at specific locations, then checked every 30 minutes for 3 hours. Insects collected were preserved in 70% ethanol, taken to the laboratory, and identified morphologically. A total of 443 insects were collected, with white light traps capturing more individuals (54.4%) than yellow light traps (45.6%), although the difference was not significant (P = 0.424). Trioza spp. were the most abundant taxa (31.15%), and species abundance differed significantly among taxa (P < 0.001). Eight insect orders were identified, with Hemiptera exhibiting the highest species richness. Spatial variation in insect abundance showed slightly higher captures in the Eastern Wing (Second Campus) (53.27%) than in the Western Wing (First Campus) (46.72%), although the difference was not significant (P = 0.549). The Eastern Wing also recorded a higher species diversity index (H′ = 2.415), with Anoscopus sp., Orius laevigatus, and Megalonotus hirsustus occurring exclusively in this location. The study demonstrates that white light traps attracted a greater number of nocturnal insects than yellow light traps, although light colour did not significantly influence overall insect abundance. These findings provide baseline information on nocturnal insect diversity and highlight the utility of light traps for ecological monitoring in tropical university environments.
Keywords: Nocturnal insects; Light traps; Insect diversity; Species abundance; Ecological monitoring