Study on the diversity of aquatic edible insects in Baksa district of Assam with reference to Hemipteran species (Bellostomatidae and Nepidae).

Most aquatic insects to reflect changes in their environment coupled with their high distribution when compared to other macro-invertebrates. The comprehensive account of aquatic insect diversity of Baksa district, Assam is mainly based on the personal interview of the inhabitants in the study area. Diversity and abundance of aquatic insect species are significantly different in different locations and in different sampling habitats Out of these 6 aquatic edible insect species, order Hemiptera shared with maximum number with 3 species. Amongst the hemipteran species Lethocerus indicus was the highest in density and abundance. All the hemipteran species found in the study area are popular human dish. Rural women usually sell these edible insects in daily local markets. Diversity indices were computed using Past3 software for data analysis of insect diversity.