DIVERSITY OF MANTODEA SPECIES IN NORTH WAYANAD, KERELA, INDIA.

This study represents the first attempt to investigate the diversity and composition of praying mantises across different plantations and forest habitats in the North Wayanad region of Kerala on a shortterm basis. The primary objective was to prepare a checklist of Mantodea species. Surveys and sampling were conducted in both disturbed monoculture plantations and undisturbed forests. A total of 16 sampling sessions were carried out over a period of 3 months, during which 22 different mantis species belonging to six families were recorded. Among these, the family Gonipetidae was found to be dominant. The order Mantodea exhibits many characteristics that qualify it as an ideal biodiversity indicator. The present study revealed that mantis diversity was higher in forest areas compared to disturbed monoculture plantations. However, the checklist prepared here represents only the North Wayanad region, and further studies are required to generate a comprehensive checklist for the entire Wayanad district. Mantises are also recognized as effective biocontrol agents against several agricultural insect pests. Therefore, the present work aimed to document their biodiversity, abundance, and predatory potential during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]