Abstract:

Diversity of the predatory insects in Yuanmou aridhot valley of Yunnan was investigated during 2004\_2005. A total of 89 species (including 10 to be identified) was reported in Yuanmou, and among them Plistospilota nova was newly recorded in China and 11 species were newly recorded in Yunnan Province. There were the most species in Carabidae, with 19.1% of the total predatory insects. The order of diversity of the predatory insect communities in 9 habitats in Yuanmou aridhot valley was: Eucalyptus+ Azadirachta indica plantation > mixed plantation > A． indica plantation > Dodonaea angustifoliaHeteropogonetea contortus scrub and grass clump > Pinus yunnanensis plantation > Eucalyptus+Leucaena leucocephala plantation >Eucalyptus plantation > Dichotomanthus tristaniaecarpaVitex negundo forest > Phyllanthus emblicaDodonaea angustifolia shrublands. A great similarity in the predatory insect community was found between in some artificial vegetation and in the natural vegetation, showing that the arbor species did not affect the development of the phytocommunity. Hillclosure to facilit ate afforestation had a positive effect on the diversity protection in Eucalyptus+ Azadirachta indica plantation. Thin grass or ground coverage and bare ground were the major elements that restricted the diversity of the predatory insect community. This study suggests that it should be given priority to protect and recondition the natural vegetation with narrow distribution and the artificial vegetation of thin ground coverage.

Key words: predatory insect, list, diversity, similarity, vegetation, Yuanmou arid_hot valley