Entomological Baseline Assessment of Cave-Dwelling Insects and Their Ecological Roles in Limestone Cave Systems of Ogun State, South West Nigeria

Cave ecosystems harbor highly specialized invertebrate communities adapted to darkness, nutrient scarcity, and stable microclimate conditions. Nigerian limestone cave systems are largely unexplored from an entomological perspective, and their specialized invertebrate biodiversity has not been documented. This study establishes an entomological baseline for cave-dwelling insects in three limestone cave systems in Ogun State, characterizing species diversity and ecological roles. Monthly sampling using pitfall traps, UV light traps at cave entrances, hand collection, and sweep netting in twilight zones will be conducted over 12 months. Insects will be identified to the lowest practicable taxonomic level, with emphasis on Coleoptera, Diptera, and Collembola as dominant cave taxa. Trophic guild classification will assign specimens as guanivores, predators, or accidental visitors. Bat guano samples will be analyzed for arthropod fragments to document guano-dwelling communities. The study will test for troglobitic adaptations in collected specimens, including reduced pigmentation and elongated appendages. This research makes an original contribution to the virtually undescribed cave invertebrate biodiversity of Southwest Nigeria and provides baseline data relevant to geo-conservation management of the cave sites. Keywords: cave insects, troglobites, limestone caves, Ogun State, invertebrate biodiversity