A SURVEY OF INSECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CALOTROPIS PROCERA(AITON) W.T.AITON (FAMILY: APOCYNACEAE; ORDER: GENTIANALES; COMMON NAME:SODOM APPLE) WITHIN UDUS CAMPUS

Abstract

Diversity and ecological roles of insects associated with Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton,commonly known as Sodom Apple within the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)campus were studied. Three locations within the UDUS campus; Veterinary Department (VETBuilding), Gidan Yunfa Area, and Behind Stadium Area were selected for the study. Fieldobservations and sampling were conducted using sweep nets, pitfall traps, and direct handcollection to identify insect species visiting or inhabiting C. procera. Findings revealed a total ofeleven insect species representing different ecological groups, including pollinators, herbivores,predators, and shelter-seekers. The honey bee (Apis mellifera) recorded the highest frequency ofoccurrence across all sites, followed by Rhabdotis obrina, Forficula auricularia, andTettigoniaviridissima, while Camponotus species were the least frequent. The observed insects performedvarious activities such as feeding, pollination, sheltering, and predation at different times of theday. The dominance of pollinators such as A. mellifera indicates that C. proceraplays a vital rolein sustaining pollinator populations and maintaining ecological balance within the semi-aridenvironment. The results indicate that the area supports a rich mix of pollinators, herbivores, andpredators. The high presence of Dysdercus angulatus (red cotton bug) reflects the plant’ssusceptibility to sap-sucking insects. The abundance of Forficula auricularia(earwig) suggeststhat C. procera provides ideal sheltering and breeding sites. The study concludes that Calotropisprocera supports a rich and functionally diverse insect community, emphasizing its ecologicalimportance in biodiversity conservation. It recommends the conservation of native plants likeC.procera, increased awareness of their environmental value, and further research on seasonalinsect dynamics to enhance ecosystem management strategies in northern Nigeria.