Analysis of Entomofauna Diversity as a Bioindicator of the Alas Pinggan Forest Ecosystem, Prigen Analisis Diversitas Entomofauna sebagai Bioindikator Ekosistem Hutan Alas Pinggan, Prigen

Abstract

Entomofauna diversity plays an important role as a bioindicator in assessing forest ecosystem conditions because insects are highly sensitive to environmental changes. This study was conducted in the Alas Pinggan Forest, Prigen, East Java, with the aim of identifying insect composition from the order to species level as baseline data for biodiversity inventory and analyzing entomofauna diversity using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Evenness index, and Simpson’s dominance index. Data collection was carried out through direct field observation along predetermined observation paths within the forest area during a single-day survey on April 28, 2026, covering morning and afternoon observation periods. Insect species encountered were documented visually and identified based on morphological characteristics using field guides and cross-validation through biodiversity databases and citizen-science platforms. The results recorded 45 species belonging to 7 orders and 32 families, with a total of 138 individuals observed. Lepidoptera was the most dominant order, accounting for 27 species and 93 individuals. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index showed high diversity (H’ = 3.51), the Evenness index indicated a highly even distribution (E = 0.92), and the Simpson’s dominance index showed low dominance (C = 0.038). These findings indicate that the entomofauna community in Alas Pinggan Forest reflects relatively high biodiversity and balanced species distribution during the observation period, suggesting that the ecosystem remains relatively healthy based on this short-term assessment. This study provides baseline scientific data that may support future biodiversity monitoring and forest conservation strategies in the Alas Pinggan area.