Diversity of terrestrial arthropods exhibiting mimicry from Hazaribagh Plateau region

Study Extent

The present work involves extensive sampling over different parts of Hazaribag Plateau region. The Hazaribag Plateau, located in the state of Jharkhand in India, exhibits a variety of geographical features that contribute to its distinct landscape and environmental importance. The Hazaribag Plateau is a constituent of the extensive Chotanagpur Plateau, located in the northeastern region of the state of Jharkhand. The geographical coordinates of its approximate location fall within the latitude range of 23°30'N to 24°30'N and the longitude range of 85°30'E to 86°15'E. Sampling was conducted at ten major locations of Hazaribagh Plateau: 1. Churchu Forest 2. Babhanbai (or Babhanbay) Hill 3. Sitagarh (or Sitagrah) Hills 4. Silwar Hills 5. Hazaribag Lake 6. Cannhary (or Canary) Hill 7. Parasnath Hills 8. Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary (entry) 9. Mahudi Hills 10. Chatra Forest

Sampling

For the current investigation, the designated region was consistently surveyed over a period of about a year (12 months), spanning from January 2021 to December 2021. The minimum requirement was to conduct at least two visits per month. A total of 48 visits were conducted throughout this time-period. Most of the visits were made during daylight hours, specifically between 11:00 am and 04:00 pm (42 visits). Some of the visits were conducted for extended periods up to 10:00 pm for sampling of nocturnal arthropods (6 visits). All observations conducted in situ were captured within the same time interval. Systematic observations were carried out regularly to investigate the behavioural patterns of the arthropods in its natural habitat. Highest number on visits was conducted to Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary which constitutes the most extensive expanse of forested land inside the Hazaribag Plateau (36 visits). Most of the sampling was conducted randomly for the first time followed by repetitive sampling over same areas after these are identified as potential sites more useful for the present study. Sampling involved exploring the designated area, digital recording of the sampling sites and the observed mimic (as well as its model if spotted) in the form of photographs and video recordings followed by collection. In situ observations were thoroughly recorded in the laboratory notebook for further analysis. Geo-tagged photographs of the sampling site were taken using the GPS Map Camera 1.4.4 software installed in a Samsung Galaxy M42 mobile device.

Method steps

1. Collection of selected specimens of special interest was carried out using standard techniques used in Entomology and Arachnology. Most of the mimic arthropods to be collected were listed from published works. Many mimics were collected based on their apparent resemblances with other animate or inanimate models. Some specimens were collected by chance which were later found to be a mimic. Likewise, some models were also collected and preserved. Various techniques were employed for collecting terrestrial arthropod specimens from different sampling sites of the Hazaribag Plateau region. The diurnal collection methods employed in this investigation encompassed the utilisation of a pan trap, sweep net, aspirator, and manual collection techniques. The methods employed for nocturnal collection included the utilisation of a light trap as well as manual collection techniques involving the placement of a light source over a vertically suspended tightened white sheet.

Terrestrial arthropods play a significant role in numerous food webs, exerting influence on ecosystem dynamics and offering valuable ecosystem services. Hexapods, arachnids and myriapods constitute the major proportion of terrestrial arthropods. There are also some terrestrial crustaceans as well, e.g., woodlice. Present dataset primarily concerns with insects and spiders. Some myriapods are also taken into account.

1. Coleoptera
   rank: order
2. Arthropoda
   rank: phylum
3. Hexapoda
   rank: class
4. Diptera
   rank: order
5. Aranae
   rank: order
6. Myriapoda
   rank: class
7. Mantodea
   rank: order
8. Neuroptera
   rank: order
9. Hymenoptera
   rank: order
10. Scutigeromorpha
    rank: order
11. Hemiptera
    rank: order
12. Orthoptera
    rank: order
13. Lepidoptera
    rank: order
14. Animalia
    rank: kingdom
15. Phasmatodea
    rank: order
16. Arachnida
    rank: class

The present work involves extensive sampling over different parts of Hazaribag Plateau region. The Hazaribag Plateau, located in the state of Jharkhand in India, exhibits a variety of geographical features that contribute to its distinct landscape and environmental importance. The Hazaribag Plateau is a constituent of the extensive Chotanagpur Plateau, located in the northeastern region of the state of Jharkhand. The Hazaribag Plateau exhibits an average elevation of around 610 meters relative to sea level. The geographical coordinates of its approximate location fall within the latitude range of 23°30'N to 24°30'N and the longitude range of 85°30'E to 86°15'E. The plateau encompasses a considerable expanse of around 6,154 square kilometers, rendering it a significant geographic unit within the region.