Diversity of termites in different farming areas of Karnataka

The different agroecological regions of Western Ghats of Karnataka were surveyed to assess the diversity of termites. The distribution revealed occurrence of 12 species of termites in the regions studied. The Macrotermitid Odontotermes holmgren occurred predominantly in the Malanad region (17.39- 34.78%). Odontotermes obesi was confined to Udupi (27.5%) and Mangalore regions (21.73%). Nausitermes sp. was exclusively recorded in the Sirsi region (20.08%). Species richness and abundance was determined by the diversity indices. Higher Shannon's Weiner diversity index (1.72) was registered during 2016-17. The diversity of termites in the regions is discussed in terms of the prevailing cropping pattern and soil type.