Betul ONGC campus home to 51 insect species

Abdul Wahab Khan

Panaji : A biodiversity survey at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation-Advanced Training Institute (ONGC-ATI) campus in Betul has documented 51 species of invertebrate fauna, 33 butterflies, seven wasps, seven dragonflies and damselflies, two bee species and two ant species, revealing that the industrial campus is an unexpectedly rich pollinator and insect refuge within the Western Ghats ecosystem.

The study, conducted between May and October 2025 across five designated green zones, described the invertebrate diversity as ecologically vital.

According to the report, “Invertebrates though not necessarily charismatic, play a quintessential role in ecological dynamics of the place including offering pollination services, biological control over pest species and pushing the nutrient flux in subterranean habitats.”

Among butterflies, the researchers recorded striking and legally protected species including the Southern Birdwing (Troides minos), Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector), Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae), Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor), Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus), Dark Wanderer (Pareronia ceylanica), Common Gull (Cepora nerissa) and Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe).

The report noted that the family Nymphalidae dominated the butterfly assemblage, followed by Papilionidae and Pieridae. The researchers highlighted that species such as the Southern Birdwing are endemic to the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka and protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act.

The survey also documented seven species of wasps including Mason Wasp (Delta conoideum), Potter Wasp (Phimenes flavopictus), Indo-Malayan Potter Wasp (Xenorhynchium nitidulum), Indian Social Wasp (Ropalidia cyathiformis) and the Greater Banded Hornet (Vespa tropica haematodes).

The researchers observed that Ropalidia cyathiformis displayed complex social nesting behaviour, while the hornet species emerged as one of the largest predatory wasps recorded on the site.

Dragonfly observations revealed widespread wetland indicators including Green Marsh Hawk (Orthetrum sabina), Pied Paddy Skimmer (Neurothemis tullia), Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens), Vagrant Emperor (Anax ephippiger) and Common Picture Wing (Rhyothemis variegata). “All species listed as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List,” the report stated.

The bee survey identified the Dwarf Honeybee (Apis florea) and Rock Bee (Apis dorsata), whose presence “highlights the availability of floral resources within the green zones”. Ant diversity included Weaver Ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) and Crematogaster dalyi. Researchers noted that the Weaver Ant was “commonly encountered in tree canopies, constructing characteristic leaf nests”.

The report further revealed that 25 butterfly species depended on 38 larval host plants including Aristolochia indica, Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos, reinforcing the campus’ role as a breeding and feeding habitat for specialist pollinators.

The researchers recommended establishing a dedicated butterfly garden with nectar-rich native flowering plants, mud-puddling sites and shaded microhabitats while completely avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilisers. The report also suggested seasonal monitoring, ecological signboards and conservation-focused landscaping to strengthen pollinator diversity and environmental awareness on the campus.

Located near the confluence of the Sal River and Arabian Sea within the Western Ghats-Konkan bioregion, the researchers described the ONGC campus as “an ecological micro-refuge” that supports lateritic plateaus, scrublands, orchards, wetlands and cliff-edge habitats despite ongoing infrastructure development.