Entomofaunal Survey of Mangrove Forests in Calabar, Cross River State, South South Nigeria

This study surveys the insect fauna associated with mangrove forest habitats in Calabar, Cross River State, located in Nigeria's South South geopolitical zone. Mangrove forests are biodiversity-rich coastal ecosystems of major ecological and economic importance, yet their insect communities remain poorly described in Nigeria. Insects were sampled using Malaise traps, light traps, and sweep nets at four mangrove sites over three months, spanning dry and wet seasons. Specimens were identified to order and family level. A total of 56 insect families from 11 orders were recorded. Diptera dominated in abundance, followed by Hymenoptera and Coleoptera. Mangrove specialists included several chironomid midge species associated with waterlogged root zones. Culicidae (mosquitoes) were abundant at all sites and represented a potential vector hazard for nearby settlements. Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera adults were present only at the least-disturbed sites, reflecting their sensitivity to habitat degradation. Edge sites adjacent to urban development showed markedly reduced insect family richness compared to interior sites. The study provides the first characterised insect inventory for Calabar mangrove forests and raises concern about the loss of sensitive taxa through ongoing mangrove encroachment. Recommendations include designation of buffer zones around intact mangrove stands and long-term insect monitoring using standardised light trapping. Keywords: entomofauna, mangrove forest, Calabar, insect diversity, Cross River State.