Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025): JLSO

Diversity and role of insects on vegetation around sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) plants in Tanjung Miring Village, Muara Enim Regency

Dhiva Kinanti Diadara (Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indralaya, Ogan Ilir 30662, South Sumatra, Indonesia)
Weri Herlin (Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indralaya, Ogan Ilir 30622, South Sumatra, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Oct 2025

Abstract

Arenga pinnata (sugar palm) was a crop of high ecological, economic, and social in South Sumatra, particularly in Muara Enim Regency. Despite its importance, limited scientific information regarding the diversity and ecological functions of insect communities associated with this species. This study aimed to identify and classify insect taxa specifically decomposers, phytophagous, pollinators, and natural enemies found in and around sugar palm stands in Tanjung Miring Village. Field observations were conducted using purposive sampling, and insect specimens were collected through four established methods: yellow sticky traps, pitfall traps, sweep nets, and manual hand collection. A total of 850 insect individuals were recorded, with the greatest abundance observed on trees possessing trunk diameters between 31‒40 cm. Hymenoptera was the most frequently encountered order, with Monomorium minimum identified as the most dominant species. Among the collection methods, yellow sticky traps yielded the highest number of individuals. Biodiversity analysis revealed a Shannon-Wiener index (H′) of 2.47, indicating moderate diversity. The evenness index (E) was 0.73, suggesting relatively low species distribution uniformity, while the dominance index (D) was 0.13, implying the absence of a single dominant species within the community. Statistical analysis using NCSS software demonstrated a significant effect of trap type on insect abundance, but no significant differences were found based on insect order, tree diameter, or observation period. These findings underscore the ecological importance of insect diversity in sugar palm ecosystems, as various functional groups such as pollinators, herbivores, and decomposers play vital roles in supporting the growth, productivity, and sustainability.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jlso

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry

Description

Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal: Journal of Suboptimal Lands (JLSO) (p-ISSN 2252-6188; e-ISSN 2302-3015) publishes original research papers, literature reviews, and short communications that cover on topics relevant to suboptimal lands: freshwater swamps, tidal lowlands, peatlands, dry and dry acid lands, ...