Soil-Dwelling (Flossorial) Insects and Their Contribution to Soil Health in Kolhapur District, Maharashtra

Abstract

Soil-dwelling (flossorial) insects form an important component of below-ground biodiversity and play a vital role in maintaining soil health and ecosystem functioning. The present study investigates the diversity of flossorial insects and evaluates their contribution to soil physical, chemical, and biological properties in Kolhapur District, Western Maharashtra. Field surveys were conducted across agricultural fields, forested areas, and grasslands using soil core sampling, hand sorting, and litter extraction methods. The study recorded major groups of soil-dwelling insects including scarab beetle larvae (white grubs), termites, ants, and predatory larvae such as antlions. These insects exhibited distinct morphological and behavioural adaptations for subterranean life. Their burrowing and feeding activities significantly enhanced soil aeration, improved water infiltration, promoted organic matter decomposition, and facilitated nutrient cycling. While some taxa showed pest potential under agricultural conditions, the overall contribution of flossorial insects to soil structure and fertility was found to be largely beneficial. The study highlights the ecological significance of soil-dwelling insects and emphasizes the need for their conservation to support sustainable agriculture and long-term soil health in the region