DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF ARTHROPODS IN SOIL NEAR REFUSE DUMPS IN UNIVERSITY OF CROSS RIVER STATE (UNICROSS), CALABAR CAMPUS CALABAR
Abstract
This study investigated the distribution and abundance of arthropods in soil near refuse dumps in UNICROSS. Sticky traps, water traps, sweep net, and handpicking methods were used to collect the arthropods from soil near the refuse dumps. The arthropods were identified using Atlas on the Biology of soil Arthropods identification guide. Musca domestica 30.0%, Aedes aegypti 6.0%, Anopheles gambiae 7.7%, Ophyra Leucostoma 13.8% Stomoxys calcitrans 9.2%, Fannia scalaris 7.7%, Clogmia albipunitatus 6.6%, Chrysomya rufifacies 8.9% and Chrysomya megacephala 10.0%. were observed Nine species of arthropods were encountered throughout the studies with Musca domestica 30.0%, being the most abundant species in all the sampling station and Aedes aegypti 6.0% being the least abundant species in all the sampling stations. All the species of arthropods encountered throughout the studies have a record of being of economic importance. Refuse dumps are ideal places for the breeding of arthropods. Recommendations include quick and proper evacuation of refuse to prevent breeding and prevalence of arthropods.
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