Khomesh Hiwraj Lanjewar and Desh Deepak Chaudhary
Abstract
Insect-plant interactions are fundamental ecological processes that form plant survival and insect community dynamics. Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as congress grass, is an aggressively invasive weed that creates significant ecological and agricultural challenges. This study aimed to record the diversity of insect visitors associated with Parthenium hysterophorus, their spatial distribution, and feeding behaviour across the plant parts. Field surveys were conducted over three seasons in the agricultural field of Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, India. Observations are focused on leaves, flowers, and stems to find visitor preferences for feeding and resting. Besides its invasive nature, P. hysterophorus supported a diverse collection of insect visitors, including generalist pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and beetles etc. which may contribute to pollination and seed dispersal. Herbivores insects were also compiled most of which being biocontrol agents. These findings disclose the complex ecological relationships between Parthenium weed and their insect visitors, and highlight the management strategies should consider both the conservation of biodiversity along with successful control of weeds. This research contributes to our knowledge of the ecology of invasive species and their role within insect communities.