Altitudinal diversity of tribe Bombini (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from district Shigar, Gilgit Baltistan - Pure and Applied ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Pure Appl. Biol., 10(3):651-656, September, 2021
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100067
Research Article
Altitudinal diversity of tribe Bombini
(Hymenoptera: Apidae) from district
Shigar, Gilgit Baltistan
Sakhawat Ali1*, Sajid Ali Shah1, Imran Khatri1, Asad Rajput1, Ghulam
Qadeer Junejo1 and Riaz Hussain2
1. Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam-Pakistan
2. Department of Entomology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi-Pakistan
*Corresponding author’s email: sakhifida512@gmail.com
Citation
Sakhawat Ali, Sajid Ali Shah, Imran Khatri, Asad Rajput, Ghulam Qadeer Junejo and Riaz Hussain. Altitudinal
diversity of tribe Bombini (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from district Shigar, Gilgit Baltistan. Pure and Applied
Biology. Vol. 10, Issue 3, pp651-656. http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100067
Received: 30/11/2019 Revised: 20/10/2020 Accepted: 29/10/2020 Online First: 24/11/2020
Abstract
Bumble bees plays an important role in pollination of crops and environmental indicators.
Identification of bumble bees are also important as different species plays various role in
ecosystem. Present study was conducted to know the altitudinal diversity of tribe Bombini.
Samples were collected from various localities of district Shigar of Baltistan Division.
Identification were done at Insect Systematic Laboratory of Entomology department, Sindh
Agriculture University Tandojam. During present study 7 species are recorded under single
genus Bombus, from the collection sites viz, B. asiaticus (Morawitz, 1875), B. melanurus
(Lepeletier, 1835), B. semenovianus (Skorikov, 1914), B. tunicatus (Smith, 1852), B.
ferganicus (Radoszkowski, 1893), B. lucorum (Linnaeus, 1761) and B. rufofasciatus (Smith,
1852). The list of host plants are recorded as, Euphorbia wallichia, Cirsium arvense, Carduus
edelbergii, Lavatera cashmeriana, Cirsium arvense, Melilotus officinale, Taraxacum
officinale, Ipomea tricolor, Helianthus annuus, Digitalis purpurea, Zinnia elegans and
Fagopyrum esculentum. This study will proved helpful to recognize the bumble species as
pollinator of different crops of the region for conservation.
Keywords: Bombini; Bumble bees; Bombus; Pollinators; Shigar
Introduction functioning of agricultural ecosystems of
The Bombini are a tribe of large crops and wild flowers. Plant pollinated by
bristly apid bees which contain a single Bees contribute 30% of food consumption
living genus, Bombus, the bumblebees, and by human in America. [4]. Thirteen species
some extinct genera such as Calyptapis and reported in Pakistan [13] all of them are
Oligobombus. The tribe was described indigenous to northern Pakistan, having the
by Latreille in 1802. The genus Bombus, elevation ranges from 2291m to 5344m
includes around 260 species of eusocial both from agricultural and non-agricultural
bees, mostly distributed in temperate and land [5]. Species of tribe Bombini can feed
cold regions of the northern hemisphere [1]. in hostile weather conditions, which are not
Agricultural crops vary in their pollination suitable to honeybees and solitary bees [6].
requirements and rely on different insect These perform an important role in
pollinator species [2, 3]. Bumblebees play ecological services in high altitude areas of
an important role as pollinator in Pakistan [7]. From Himalayan region 160
Published by Bolan Society for Pure and Applied Biology 651Ali et al.
floral host plants has been recorded [8]. latitude and 75° 42′59″E longitude and
Tribe Bombini are mostly found in high covers an area of 4373 sq. km. Elevation
attitude regions [12]. Species of tribe above sea level is 2, 260 to 8611 m (Fig. 1)
Bombini can found from 1000m-5500m. [10]. It borders with China surrounded by
Bumble bees construct nest in different K2 between the territories [11]. Present
habitat, often in abandoned rodent burrows, study was conducted to explore the bumble
in the ground, above ground and in tall bee fauna as pollinator, since identification
grasses [9]. Shigar district is located in the plays a vital role towards the knowledge of
north of Skardu. It is part of the central pollinating species behavior and their
Karakorum ranges. It lies at 25° 25′32″ N extent of benefits.
Figure 1. Map of study area
652Pure Appl. Biol., 10(3):651-656, September, 2021
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100067
Materials and Methods Host plants
For present research, bumble bees were Euphorbia wallichia, Cirsium arvense,
collected through sweep net from various Carduus edelbergii and Lavatera
localities of district Shigar, Gilgit Baltistan. cashmeriana
Specimens were killed by using potassium 3. Bombus lucorum (Linnaeus, 1761)
cyanide and pinned by standard Diagnosis
entomological pins. After pining, they were Head black, thorax proximal portion yellow
labeled with information of locality, and mid with black pubescens. Upper 1/3 of
collection date, collector name, and the host abdomen yellow ochraceous, blackish in
tree. Identification were done at Insect the middle and with white pubescence at the
Systematic Laboratory, Department of posterior end of abdomen. Hind and
Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University forewings light brown and transparent.
Tandojam by [15] colour pattern key of Material examined
[16]. Pakistan: 20♀, Gilgit Baltistan Prov.,
Images of habitus (adult) were taken by Chutron, Haiderabad, Molto, Tissar,
using high pixel camera, and 350 k pixel, 24.Viii.2019, S.Ali,
USB camera fitted on microscopes Host plants
Labomed CSM2 (20X and 40X), used for Melilotus officinale, Taraxacum officinale,
genetalia images. Ipomea tricolor, Helianthus annuus,
Results Digitalis purpurea. Euphorbia wallichia,
1. Bombus asiaticus Morawitz, 1875 Cirsium arvense, Carduus edelbergii,
Diagnosis Lavatera cashmeriana and Zinnia elegans
Body densely robust with pubescence, head 4. Bombus melanurus Lepeletier, 1835
with black pubescence; antennae elbow Diagnosis
shape, thorax with white pubescence and Head black, thorax completely yellowish,
black in middle; forewings light brown and half of the abdomen yellow with blackish
transparent hindwings, abdomen with brown markings in center, half of the
sparse orange setae, densely black in abdomen posteriorly black. Forewing and
middle and proximal end of abdomen hindwings light brown.
yellowish orange pubescence [15]. Material examined
Material examined Pakistan: 20♀, Gilgit Baltistan Prov.,
Pakistan: 23♀, Gilgit Baltistan Prov., Chutron, Haiderabad, Molto, Tissar 24.
Alchori, Askoli, Kashmal, Kurfy, Viii. 2019, S.Ali,
Monjong, Sildi, Sinu, Thadoro, Tissar, Host plants
Yono, 24.Vii.2019, S.Ali, Wild Flower Melilotus officinale and
Host plants Taraxacum officinale.
Wild Flower, Ipomea tricolor, Lavatera 5. Bombus rufofasciatus Smith, 1852
cashmeriana and Zinnia elegans. Diagnosis
2. Bombus ferganicus Radoszkowski, Head pubescence black, thorax with row of
1893 white long setae at the anterior margin, rest
Diagnosis of the thorax complete black. Half of the
Head and thorax with yellow ochraceous abdomen black, posterior half of the
pubescence, tarsi yellow coloured, and abdomen with row of white setae, yellow
abdomen black dorsally, last segments and some orange setae present posteriorly.
yellow ochraceous laterally. Hindwings Legs with long dense setae. Forewing and
brownish hindwing light brown and transparent.
Material examined Material examined
Pakistan: 8♀, Gilgit Baltistan Prov., Askoli, Pakistan: 8♀, Gilgit Baltistan Prov., Askoli,
Kurfy, Monjong 12.Viii.2019, S.Ali, Kurfy, Monjong, 12.Viii.2019, S.Ali,
653Ali et al.
Host plants Discussion
Fagopyrum esculentum, Euphorbia The present study area was ranged at the
wallichia, Carduus edelbergii and altitude of 7000-10000 feet, the climate at
Taraxacum officinale. various height also varies, and the
6. Bombus semenovianus (Skorikov, vegetation is also varies at different
1914) altitudes. During present study 7 species of
Diagnosis tribe Bombini were recorded from different
Head black, thorax with yellow dense locations of district Shigar. Collection were
pubescence, 2/3 of the abdomen at the done in different timings from 8am to 5pm.
anteriorly blackish, whereas, 1/3 of Most of them were active after 12pm. B.
posterior portion of abdomen orange. rufofasciatus forages heavily in the
Material examined afternoon, with restricted activity in the
Pakistan: 16♀, Gilgit Baltistan Prov., early morning and late in the evening at
Askoli, Kurfy, Monjong, Sinu Tissar. 11. high altitudes [17]. All species are
Viii. 2019, S.Ali, previously reported from different localities
Host plants of Gilgit Baltistan. Previously the bumble
Fagopyrum esculentum, Wild Flower. bee fauna of present study area was not
Euphorbia wallichia, Cirsium arvense and extensively studied. This study carried out
Digitalis purpurea to explore the bumble bee fauna of district
7. Bombus tunicatus Smith, 1852 Shigar. [18] Reported 9 species from
Diagnosis Hashupi, Shigar. Bombus branickii new
Head with white pubescence, thorax with addition in bumble bee fauna of Pakistan
black pubescence proximally, distally with was reported from Kharmang, Gilgit
white setae. Major portion of the abdomen Baltistan [19]. Previously 13 species of
covered with black setae, posterior part of bumble bee was recorded by [13] from
the abdomen orange. Gilgit Baltistan. [14] Reported Bombus
Material examined rufofasciatus, B. subtypicus, B.
Pakistan, 30♀, Gilgit Baltistan Prov., kashmirensis, B. trifasciatus, and B.
Alchori, Askoli, Braqchan, Churka, haemorrhoidalis first time from Naran
Chutron, Haiderabad, Hashupi, Kashmal, Kaghan valley, Pakistan. Species recorded
Kurfy, Monjong, Sildi, Sinu, Tissar,. 11. during present study were collected from
Viii.2019, S.Ali, high elevations. Previously reported
Host plants bumble bees of Pakistan was recorded from
Fagopyrum esculentum, Wild Flower. high altitude regions like Gilgit Baltistan,
Euphorbia wallichia, Cirsium arvense and Azad Kashmir and Swat Pakistan. Three
Digitalis purpurea species of bumble bees namely Bombus
Elevation wise distribution of Bumble rufofasciatus, Bombus asciaticus and
bees in Shigar district Bombus haemorrhoidalis from swat. [20].
Five species were collected at the height of The study will proved helpful to identify the
9000 to 10000 ft include; Bombus bumble bee as pollinator and conservation
semenovianus, Bombus rufofasciatus, in respective region.
Bombus asiaticus, Bombus melanurus, Conclusion
Bombus ferganicus; and four species from Present study revealed the occurrence of 7
8000 to 9000; Bombus semenovianus, species of bumble bees in surroundings of
Bombus lucorum, Bombus asiaticus, district Shigar, Gilgit Baltistan. They prefer
Bombus tunicatus; lastly, three species higher elevation and the raining seasons
were recorded at the low altitude of 7000 – effect their active time, especially for
8000; Bombus tunicatus, Bombus asiaticus, collections.
Bombus lucorum.
654Pure Appl. Biol., 10(3):651-656, September, 2021
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100067
Authors’ contributions natural landscape. International
Conceived and designed the experiments: S Conference on Biological Resources of
Ali & I Khatri, Performed the experiments: Pakistan: Problems, success and future
S Ali & SA Shah, Analyzed the data: S Ali perspectives at University of Arid
& I Khatri, Contributed materials/ analysis/ Agriculture, Rawalpindi., Pakistan. pp
tools: A Rajput, GQ Junejo & R Hussain, 25.
Wrote the paper:S Ali & I Khatri. 8. Raina RH (2011). Species diversity
References and role of some dominant bumblebee
1. Williams PH (2018). In a group of its species in the pollination ecology of
own? Rediscovery of one of the Kashmir Himalaya. PhD. Thesis. pp
world’s rarest and highest mountain 124.
bumblebees, Bombus tanguticus. J Nat Kearns CA & Thomson JD (2001). The
9.
Hist 52(5-6): 305-321. natural history of bumblebees: a source
2. Morse RA & Calderone NW (2000). book for investigation, first edition.
The value of honey bees as pollinators Boulder: University Press of Colorado.
of US. Bee culture 128(3): 1-15.
Kevan, PG 1976. Fluorescent nectar
3. Garibaldi LA, Dewenter SI, Winfree R,
(technical comment). Sci 194: 341-
Aizen MA, Bommarco R, Cunningham
342.
SA, Kremen C, Carvalheiro LG,
10. Schmidt M (2000). Pastoral systems in
Harder LD, Afik O, Bartomeus I,
Benjamin F & Boreux V (2013). Wild Shigar/Baltistan: communal herding
pollinators enhance fruit set of crops management and pasturage rights.
regardless of honey bee abundance. Sci High mountain pastoralism in Northern
339: 1608-1611. Pakistan 132: 121.
11. Seong YB, Bishop MP, Bush A,
4. Heinrich B (1979). Resource
heterogeneity and patterns of Clendon P, Copland L & Finkel RC
movement in foraging bumblebees. (2009). Landforms and landscape
Oecologia 40: 235–245. evolution in the Skardu, Shigar and
5. Sheikh UAA, Ahmad M, Aziz MA, Braldu valleys, central Karakoram.
Naeem M, Bodlah I, Imran M & Nasir Geomorphol 103(2): 251-267.
M (2015). First record of Genus 12. Saini MS, Raina RH & Khan ZH
Bombus Latreille (Hymenoptera: (2012). Food plants and stratification
Apidae, Bombini) in Naran Kaghan of bumblebees (Apidae: Hymenoptera)
valley of Pakistan and their floral host from Indian Himalayas. Ann Entomol
range. J Biol & Environ Sci 7(1): 215- Soc Am 30: 81-89.
223. 13. Suhail A, Sabir AM, Asghar M, Rafi
MA & Qadir A (2009). Geographic
6. Wardell GA, Bernhardt P, Bitner R,
Burquez A, Buchmann S, Cane J, Cox distributional patterns of the genus
AP, Dalton AP, Feinsinger P, Ingram Bombus (Bombini, Apidae:
M, Inouye D & Jones CE (1998). The Hymenoptera) in northern Pakistan.
potential consequences of pollinator Biol Dis Con 2: 1-9.
14. Sheikh UAA, Ahmad M, Imran M,
declines on the conservation of
Nasir M, Saeed S & Bodlah I (2014).
biodiversity and stability of food crop
Distribution of Bumblebee, Bombus
yields. Conserv Biol 12: 8–17.
haemorrhoidalis Smith, and its
7. Sabir AM, Suhail A, Rafi MA, Association with Flora in Lower
Mahmood K & Ahmed S (2007). Northern Pakistan. Pak J Zool 46(4):
Foraging activity of bumblebees 1045-1051.
(Bombus Latr.) in relation to floral 15. Williams PH (1991). The bumble bees
resources in agricultural and semi- of the Kashmir Himalaya
655Ali et al.
(Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombini). Taxonomy and distribution of
Bull Br Mus Nat Hist Entomol Ser 1- bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of
204. district Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan. J
16. Williams PH, Ito M, Matsumura T & Entomol Zool Stud 7(1): 83-89.
Kudo I (2010). The bumblebees of the 19. Sheikh UAA, Mahmood K, Nazir K,
Nepal Himalaya (Hymenoptera: Ali S, Imran M, Ghaffar MA &
Apidae). Insecta Matsumurana 66: Tamkeen A, (2018). Faunistic work on
115-151. bumblebee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of
17. Saini. MS, Raina RH and Khan ZH, District Kharmang, Skardu, Pakistan. J
(2012). Taxonomy and pollination Biol Environ Sci 13(4): 141-146.
ecology of Bombus rufofasciatus 20. Khan H, Rafi MA, Baset A, Hussain A,
(Hymenoptera: Apidae) from the Attaullah M & Waris A (2018).
Indian Himalaya. Pol J Entomol 81(4): Exploring of bumble bee fauna and its
347-363. biogeographical affiliation in district
18. Jaffar S, Shah F, Ali S, Yaseen M, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Rizvi SAH & Hassan MA (2019). J Entomol Zool Stud 6(6): 1041-1048.
656You can also read
