The Population Dynamics, Ecological and Seasonal Activity of Paederus fuscipes Curtis (Staphylinidae; Coleoptera) in the Punjab, Pakistan

Inspite of its multiferious (scavenger, predator and medical importance) role which it plays in the ecosystem, its ecology is rarely investigated. So, the present study aims to investigate and relate Paederus fuscipes assemblages to cultivated soils and forest parameters of the Punjab, Pakistan during 2008-2009 with six different collecting methods (pitfall traps, light traps, flight intercept traps, Berlese funnel traps, sweep net and visual observation). Maximum population was collected with the help of pitfall trap. It was recorded only from cropped areas mainly having decayed organic matter. Not a single individual was recorded from forest areas. It was mainly recorded from maize (Zea maize) and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) crops due to presence of soft bodied insects. It preferred damp soil rich in organic matter for egg laying under natural conditions. Maximum activity was observed near the ground. Maximum population was recorded during March and July-August. Light had attractive effect on it, so maximum activity was observed during night also. Its activity is greatly influenced by light and soil moisture contents.