The Biology of Forcipula trispinosa (Dohrn) (Dermaptera: Labiduridae)

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From the introduction:

"[...] No serious attempt has been made so far to study the biology of any Indian species of Dermaptera. Keeping this fact in view it has been proposed to undertake this type of study on one of the species found in this region, called Forcipula trispinosa. Detailed investigations on the habitat, habits and behaviour, parasites (if any), food and feeding, gynandromorphism and regeneration, sex ratio, seasonal history in the field and laboratory, were undertaken with a view to explore these problems.

Forcipula trispinosa was recorded previously from Nepal: Chitlong Pharping, Kumaon: Bhimtal, Nainital, Bengal: Calcutta. It is also found in Burma, Iran and Bhutan.

Studies made (by the author) during the last few years, indicate that this species offers sufficient scope for working out its biology. It has been found that this is a semiaquatic species and loves excessive moisture. It is found under stones at the edge of hill streams, lakes and ponds of Nainital region.

The author recorded this species from Nainital, Bhowali, Gethia, JeoIikote, Khairna, Ratighat, Kainchi, Bhimtal and Ramgarh regions in Nainital district, Ranikhet (Almora) and Pithoragarh. All specimens were collected from the edges of hill streams except those from Nainital which were collected from the edges of the Naini Lake.

The species is nocturnal in habit avoiding stronglight of the day, sheltering under stones. It is carnivorous, feeding on insects which are caught with the help of its forceps. For this investigation, the best collection in the field has been made from Nainital Lake and the two hill streams – Khubighat Gad and Kuria Gad near the village of Gethia, and a hill stream near Beerbhatti.

All of these hill streams are situated within two to four miles from the Nainital. Pairs and gravid females were collected in the field and reared in the laboratory in the Department of Zoology at D.S.B. college, Nainital."

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