Spatial Distribution of Lake-water Insects in Minna, North central Nigeria: Bio-indication of Water Quality.

Abstract

This paper reports on a study to elucidate the ecological state and water quality of freshwater lakes in minna Nigeria and generate baseline information for their sustainable management. Aquatic entomofaunal indicators of water quality were assessed for spatial variations in species composition and relative abundances among four lakes in the area, following standard procedures the results indicated the occurrence of 16 insect species, belonging to five orders; in order of abundance, Coloeptera > Heiptera > Diptera > Odonata > Orthoptera sp. The dominant insect species encountered included, Locri ruben (23.23%), chironomous sp. (14.81%), Helochares sp. (14.13%), Orectogyrus sp. (12.23%), Epilachna similis (11.96%), etc. The total numbers of insects collected from the four lakes varied significantly (P < 0.005), ranging from 4.89% in Bosso pyata Lake to 51.49% in Gabbas Lake. Likewise the proportional distribution of the individual insects species within a lake differed significantly (P < 0.05).the most versatile taxa were Diptera and Odonata, being present in all Lakes while all five insect Orders encountered during the study period were present in Bosso Gabas and Tagwai Lakes, Bosso Pyata lake was the least productive pollution status of the lakes, and it is hoped that the findings will guide the managers of the lakes in taking informed and justifiable actions.