Entomofaunal diversity of Hymenoptera in FELDA Besout 6 oil palm plantation

The present work is designed to study diversity and abundance Hymenoptera in FELDA Besout 6 oil palm plantation and to evaluate the relationship between diversity of insects with different habitats in oil palm plantations. Samplings were conducted using Malaise traps. Three habitats were chosen which were: Trap A (represented the beneficial plants area), Trap B (represented the margin area) and Trail C (represented the oil palm's interior). During this study, a total of 2500 individuals under 8 families and 21 morphospecies were collected. Binary data of all families revealed that the species richness of Hymenoptera was higher at beneficial plants area. There was no significant interaction (P>0.05) on the total morphospecies and abundance of individual per family for Hymenoptera from all habitats. Shannon Weiner Diversity Index (H') showed that each habitats did not differs significantly (P>0.05) with Trap A having the higherst diversity value for Hymenoptera with H'=1.44 while Trap B (H'=1.16) had the lowest diversity. Among the factors that affecting the diversity and abundance of Hymenoptera include microclimate variable (temperature, humidity and light intensity), availability of food, structural qualities, oviposition sites, suitable hiding places and the presence of the predators. These results can be used for manager in FELDA management for future research and also in order to develop and implement tools, methodologies, strategies and best management practices for parasitoids conservation and sustainable use.