ARCHIVES
VOL. 10, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Aquatic-insects, their biodiversity, importance and conservation: A systematic review
Authors
Shubhangi S Bharti, S M Yeole
Abstract
A vital role played by Aquatic-Insects in
maintaining a balance of ecosystem, contributing to nutrient-cycling, water
quality monitoring, and ecological stability. India, a mega-diverse nation,
harbors approximately 5,000 recorded aquatic insect species, significantly
influencing wetland biodiversity. These insects exhibit various morphological
and physiological adaptations, including specialized respiration mechanisms
such as air tubes, gill respiration, and plastrons, to thrive in aquatic
environments. The evolutionary history of Aquatic-Insects traces back to the
Paleozoic era, with eleven taxonomic orders comprising both fully aquatic and
semi-aquatic species. Functional feeding groups viz. filter feeders,
predators, scrapers, and shredders, enhance aquatic ecosystems by decomposing
organic matter and supporting food chains. Aquatic-Insects also serve as
bioindicators, reflecting the health of freshwater ecosystems, and are employed
in biomonitoring programs to assess environmental changes. However,
anthropogenic factors such as industrial pollution, climate change, pesticide
runoff, and habitat destruction threaten their populations. Conservation
efforts emphasize habitat restoration, improved land-use practices, and
biodiversity awareness to mitigate these threats. Furthermore, Aquatic-Insects
have societal benefits, including their role in fishery resources, forensic
investigations, weed control, and disease vector management. Despite their
ecological significance, there is a declining number of trained aquatic
entomologists, highlighting the need for renewed interest in aquatic insect
research. This scientific review underscores the vital role of aquatic-insects
in ecological and sustainability with respect to environment, emphasizing the
necessity of conservation strategies and advanced biomonitoring techniques to
protect their diverse populations.
Download
Pages:103-111
How to cite this article:
Shubhangi S Bharti, S M Yeole "Aquatic-insects, their biodiversity, importance and conservation: A systematic review". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 103-111
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.