DIVERSITY OF SOIL INSECTS AT HILL EVERGREEN FOREST DOI ANGKHANG, CHIANGMAL PROVINCE

Abstract

The study on diversity of soil insects at hill evergreen forest (Doi Angkhang), Chiang Mai Province, was carried out during January to December 1994. The objective of the study was to know the diversity, density, and roles of soil insects on forest ecosystem on the high land. Three temporary plots of 1 X 1 m² size were set and everything on the ground were collected for 6 times. The results showed that soil insects in this area consisted of 13 orders, 46 families, and 91 genera. The density of soil insects were 0.72, 2.6 and 5.1 per m², respectively. The Order Hymenoptera (Fam. Formicidae) was the most frequently found either during dry or rainy seasons. The diversity of soil insects during dry and rainy seasons were slightly difference. The role of soil insects in the forest can be divided into two groups. The first group was consumers which can be separated to primary consumer and secondary consumer with the density of 1.5 genera per m² and 3.06 genera per m². The second group called decomposer, the density was 0.50 genera per m².