Exploring the diversity of pollinator insects in cocoa agroforestry systems: An observational approach

This research aims to identify pollinator insects species and analyze their diversity in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) plantations. This research is descriptive exploratory with an observational approach. The sampling technique was carried out randomly purposive sampling. Sample collection was carried out twice a week for 2 months in 4 ways, namely the direct capture method, catching using insect nets, aspirator, and using the yellow sticky trap. Environmental parameters measured include environmental temperature, humidity and light intensity. The results of the research showed that 8 species of pollinator insects were found on cocoa plants which are members of 6 families and 2 orders. A total of 3 species are members of the order Diptera, namely Forcipomyia sp. (Ceratopogonidae), Cecidomyia sp. (Cecidomyiidae), and Drosophila melanogaster (Drosophilidae) and 5 species from the Order Hymenoptera viz., Crematogaster kojimai (Formicidae), Dolichoderus thoracicus (Formicidae), Pheidole plagiaria (Formicidae), Lasioglossum truncated (Halictidae) and Heterotrigona itama (Apidae). The species diversity index obtained was 1.75, the species evenness index was 0.79 and the dominance index was 0.20. The findings also show that the diversity of insect pollinator species on cocoa plants at the research location is in the medium category, with a relatively even distribution of species and no dominant insect pollinator species.