Selecting Effective Insectary Plants to Enhance Coccinellidae Preference and Diversity in Rice Agroecosystems

Fatikhul Karim, Wiwin Windriyanti, Hery Nirwanto

Abstract


Background: Insectary plants are widely recognized for enhancing natural enemy populations, however comparative evidence on how different plant species influence the preference and community structure of Coccinellidae in rice agroecosystems remains limited. In addition, the selection of appropriate insectary plants is often not well justified despite differences in floral traits, nectar availability, and accessibility that affect predator attraction and retention. This study examined the preference and diversity of Coccinellidae associated with three insectary plant species (Cosmos sulphureus, Zinnia elegans, and Turnera subulata) in a rice agroecosystem in Mojokerto, Indonesia. Methodology: The research was conducted using a field-based quasi-experimental design with separate treatment blocks and repeated sampling at 15, 30, 60, and 75 days after planting. Adult Coccinellidae were collected using D-vac suction sampling on insectary plants and sweep nets in adjacent rice fields (3 m from insectary plants). Data were analyzed using Shannon–Wiener diversity (H'), Pielou’s evenness (E), Simpson’s dominance (D), and Margalef’s richness (R). Findings: A total of 277 individuals belonging to five species consisted of Micraspis lineata, Micraspis discolor, Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Coccinella transversalis, and Coelophora inaequalis were recorded, with communities dominated by Micraspis lineata in C. sulphureus, T. subulata, and control plots. Z. elegans supported the highest diversity (H'= 0.7054), evenness, and species richness, indicating a more balanced community structure, whereas other treatments showed lower diversity due to species dominance. Ecologically, this dominance reflects a simplified community structure with reduced functional complementarity. Contributions: These findings highlight the importance of insectary plants selection in shaping predator communities and demonstrate that appropriate refugia can enhance ecological stability. This study provides empirical and practical insights for optimizing habitat management to support conservation biological control in sustainable rice agroecosystems.


Keywords


Biodiversity; Coccinellidae; Insectary Plants; Rice Agroecosystem; Zinnia elegans

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.36987/jpbn.v12i1.8400

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