Status of butterfly species in Pallassena village, Palakkad district ...€¦ · Tamil Nadu, India species, agricultural with 9 species. Based on the IUCN list, 26 common species,

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Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2018; 6(3): 320-329

E-ISSN: 2320-7078

P-ISSN: 2349-6800

JEZS 2018; 6(3): 320-329

© 2018 JEZS

Received: 17-03-2018

Accepted: 18-04-2018

N Narmadha

PSG College of Arts and Science,

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Dr. K Varunprasath

Assistant Professor, M.Sc,

M.Phil, Ph.D PSG College of

Arts and Science, Coimbatore,

Tamil Nadu, India

Correspondence

Dr. K Varunprasath

Assistant Professor, M.Sc,

M.Phil, Ph.D PSG College of

Arts and Science, Coimbatore,

Tamil Nadu, India

Status of butterfly species in Pallassena village,

Palakkad district, Kerala

N Narmadha and Dr. K Varunprasath

Abstract Butterflies are one of the most important assemblages of insects that act as biodiversity indicators as well

as nature’s gardeners. The current survey was carried out to document the butterfly species diversity

along with abundance in Pallassana Village, Palakkad district, Kerala from September 2017 to January

2018. A total of 303 individuals with 57 varieties, under five families of butterflies were recorded.

Among the families, Nymphalidae consist of 27 species followed by Pieridae 12 species, Papilionidae 10

species, Lycanidae 7 species and one Hesperiidae species were observed. Among these families

maximum abundance in Herbs and shrubs habitat with 29 species followed by grassland includes 17

species, agricultural with 9 species. Based on the IUCN list, 26 common species, 16 very common, 12

uncommon species and one rare species were recorded. According to monthly wise abundance,

maximum of 80 species in the month of January where as 4 species in September were observed during

the study.

Keywords: Butterflies, abundance, distribution, diversity indices, Pallassana village

1. Introduction Butterflies are day flyer and a colourful insect belonging to the Order Lepidoptera. These

insects plays an important role in ecosystem as plant pollinator in food chain as herbivores [1].

18, 000 butterfly species around the world. Butterflies respond to trouble and alter in habitat

and act as an environmental pointer [2]. Environmental variations and changes in the forest

composition are severely affected for butterflies because butterflies are directly dependent on

flora [3-4]. Migration or local extinction of butterflies purely based on minor changes in habitat

alteration [4-6]. Butterfly diversity might be reflecting the overall floral variety in the certain

region because of their floral association [7]. Butterflies mixture ultimately reflects overall

plant range specially herbs and shrubs in the region [8].

More than half of the world’s known animal species are insects [9] in which Lepidoptera is the

second largest and the most diverse order in the class Insecta [10]. [11] Documented 19238

species of butterflies in the world. Later, [12] reported 1504 species in Indian subcontinent. [13]

Reported about 177 species of butterflies in Central Provinces [14]. Recorded a total of 167

species of 90 genera from Vidarbha region. In India, out of 1,501 butterfly varieties, 521

Brush-footed butterflies, 443 Blues, 321 are Skippers, 109 Whites and Yellows and 107

Swallowtails [15]. Butterfly species are firmly seasonal and favour only a particular set of

habitats [16]. Butterflies are fine indicators in terms of anthropogenic interruption and habitat

excellence [17]. Out of 18,000 known butterfly species of world, in Indian subcontinent alone

identified around 1500 butterfly species which contain 8.33% [18-19]. In India, during 19th

century the pioneering work in butterfly studies started [12]. 330 butterfly species present in

Western Ghats and 48 species are endemic to Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR). Out of 1,501

species of butterflies in India, 334 varieties were reported from the Western Ghats and 37

species are endemic to the Western Ghats [20-21]. In Western Ghats has 334 varieties of

butterflies and 316 species reported from Kerala [22]. In Kerala state the documentation of

butterfly species done by several researchers [23-29].

The Western Ghats of India is under threat due to deforestation and one of the hotspots regions [30]. Biodiversity mostly affected by habitat destruction and deterioration feature [31]. Increased

city quality along with road and rail network, buildings leads correspond with decreases in

butterfly species richness, variety and abundance [32-35]. Habitat degradation as well as

decreased floral species diversity, reduced water quality and increased air and soil pollutions

due to urbanization development [36-40]. Use of heavy machinery and increased input of

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Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

insecticides, pesticides and herbicides [41] of these, chemical

pesticides potentially affect development of butterfly larva

and nectar producing plants which adversely affect adult

butterfly diversity. Developments of agriculture field in forest

ecosystem endanger many species throughout the world [42].

2. Materials and Methods

2.1 Study Area

Fig 1: Showing the Satellite map of Pallassana village, Palakkad district, Kerala (Scale-100 feet, 50 meter)

Kerala, traditionally identified as Keralam, is an Indian state

in South India. Palakkad is one of 14 districts of the state of

Kerala in Southern India. Palakkad has a dry climate with the

moderate temperature exception in March and April and

annual rainfall is around 83 inches (211 cm). The summers

are much rainier than the winters in Palakkad. The average

annual temperature in Palakkad is 27.8 °C. In a year, the

average rainfall is 2135 mm. Plains, Mountains, Backwaters,

Forests, Farm lands and including Parambikulam Wildlife

Sanctuary and Silent Valley National Park make up the

topography of the district. In Silent Valley National Park, 128

butterfly varieties and 400 species of moths found inside the

national park under situated this district. In Parambikulam

Wildlife Sanctuary, 39 species of mammals, 280 species of

birds, 61 species of reptiles, 47 species of fishes and

enumerable number of butterflies and insects are sharing this

eco system. Pallassana Village present in Nemmara Block in

Palakkad District and belongs to Central Kerala Division. In

this village, the temperature remains moderate throughout the

year, the annual rainfall around 2,135 millimetres and receive

South-West Monsoon. The forest covers an area of 13, 6,257

hectare which is 25% of the total geographical area, mainly

over the north eastern of the district. The village has a

Gardens, Trees as well as Wild plants. The major Garden

plants are Ixora (Ixora alversia), Hibiscus (Hibiscus syricua),

Catharanthus roses etc. Trees include Palms, Coconut (Cocos

nucifera), Mango trees (Manifera indica) and Jack fruit trees.

2.2 Methodology

The survey was carried out from September 2017 to January

2018 (morning 6.00 am till 7.00 p.m) Pallassana Village,

Palakkad district. The survey of butterflies was undertaken

along five different transects. The butterflies were recorded

using standard transect counting method [43], counted while

walking along the selected transect route of 1 km, in each

habitat. The nomenclature used in the check list of Butterflies

in IUCN (2015) was followed. The transects surveyed of

existing Garden, Agriculture area, Shrubs and herbs,

Grassland areas. Typical and unique features of the wings,

abdomen and pattern of coloration of all body parts were

noted down. Sketches were made accordingly using pencils

and marked the pattern of colour patches and print

distribution. Butterflies were photographed by (Sony W520)

camera, from different angles to enable positive identification

of species. Descriptions, photographs and drawings were

compared with literature and the species were identified based

on the collected data and available reference, both printed and

electronic. Identification of species was confirmed with the

help of the field guides [21] taxonomy and nomenclature has

been updated. Vegetations of each site and sub site were

keenly observed and relevant data were recorded

2.3 Measurement of Diversity

Relative dominance index of the butterfly species was

calculated by

Dominance index (%) = Number of individuals of one species

(n) X 100/Number of individuals of all species (N).

Simpson’s Index is a measure of diversity; it takes into

account the number of species present, as well as the

abundance of each species.

D = Σn (n-1)/ N (N-1)

Where, D-Simpson’s index

n-The number of individuals of each different species

N-The total number of individuals of all species.

Shannon Weaver index is used to characterize species

diversity and abundance in a community. Shannon-Wiener

index (H’) is given as follows

H’= - Σ Pi ln (Pi),

Where, H’-the Shannon’s index, Pi-the proportion of

individuals in the i th species, ln-natural log.

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3. Result

3.1 Table Showing the Status of Butterflies in Pallassena Village, Palakkad District, Kerala.

Common name Scientific name Habitat and host plant

Family name-Nymphalidae

Glassy blue tiger* Parantica aglea GI, Calotropis sp. Ceropegia sp. Cryptolepis buchanani, Tylophora indica, T. tenuis

Lemon pansy* Junonia lemonias GIII, Barleria spp, Hygrophila auriculata, Justicia neesii, J. procumbens, Arrowleaf

Sida Sida rhombifolia, Corchorus capsularis.

Striped tiger* Danus genita GIII, Asclepias currassavica, Ceropegia sp. Cynanchum sp., Marsdenia roylei,

Stepahnotis sp. Tylophora tenuis.

Tawny coster* Acraea tersicore GIII, Adenia hondala, Modecca palmata, Passiflora edulis, P. foetida, P. subpeltata,

Hybanthus enneaspermus, Turnera ulmifolia.

Plain tiger* Danus chrysippus GIII,Calotropis gigantea, C. procera, Cynanchum sp., Frerea indica, Tylophora sp,

Ficus racemosa etc.

Chocolate pansy** Junonia iphita GIII, Carvia callosa (Syn. Strobilanthes callosa), Hygrophila auriculata, Justicia neesii,

Lepidagathis prostrata.

Blue tiger** Tirumala limnaceae GII, Asclepias currassavica, Calotropis procera, Heterostemma sp., Hoya viridiflora,

Tylophora indica, Wattakaka volubilis

Yellow pansy** Junonia hierta GIII, Barleria spp. (B. cristata), Hygrophila auriculata, Bell Weed Ruellia prostrata.

Common evening brown** Melanitis leda GII, Grass spp. including rice (Oryza sativa), bamboo, Imperata, Eleusine spp., and

millets such as Oplismenus compositus, Panicum spp.

Dark evening brown*** Melanitis phedima GIII, Microstegium ciliatum, Setaria palmifolia.

Great evening brown*** Melanitis zitenus GIII, Data deficient.

Common bush brown* Mycalesia perseus GIII, Rice sps.

Dark banded bush brown* Mycalesia mineus GIII, Oryza spp. and grass spp.

Common baron* Euthalia aconthae GIII, Cashew tree Anacardium occidentale, Mango Mangifera indica, Bryonia spp.

Streblus asper.

Joker*** Byblia ilithiya GII, Indian Stinging Nettle Tragia involvucrata, T. plukenetii.

Danaid egg fly* Hypolimnas misippus GIII, Common Purslane Portulaca oleracea, Asystasia lawiana.

Great egg fly* Hypolimnas bolina GII, Abutilon sp. Hibiscus sp. Arrowleaf Sida Sida rhombifolia, Common Purslane

Portulaca oleracea, Elatostemma cuneatum.

Blue pansy* Junonia orithiya GII, Hygrophila auriculata, Justicia procumbens, Lepidagathis prostrata, Nelsonia

campestris, Shame plant Mimosa pudica.

Dark blue tiger** Tirumala septentrionis GI, Vallaris dichotoma, V. heyneii, Cosmostigma racemosa, and Wattakaka volubilis.

Common four ring** Ypthima huebneri GIII, Axonopus compressus, Grass spp.

Common castor*** Ariande merione GIII, Ricinus communis, Indian Stinging Nettle Tragia involvucrata, T. plukeneti.

Commnon crow** Euploea core GI, Nerium indicum, Calotropis gigantea, Hemidesmus indicus, Tylophora indica, Ficus

sp., Streblus asper, Figs.

Common sailor* Neptis hylas GIII, Dalbergia sp. Pongamia glabra, Xylia dolabriformis, Bombax malabaricum,

Thespesia populnea, Zizyphus sp.

Short banded sailor*** Phaedyma columella GIII, Dalbergia spp., Pterocarpus sp.

Common palm fly* Elymnias hypermnestra GIII, Cocos nucifera, Calamus pseudo tenius, Calamus rotang, Calamus thwaitesii.

Niligiri blue tiger*** Parantica niligirensis GI, Tylophora tenuis and T. indica.

Anomalous nawab* Polura agrarian GIII, Data deficient.

Family name-Papilionidae

Crimson rose* Atrophaneura hector GI, Aristolochia indica, A. bracteolata, and Thottea siliquosa.

Common mormon** Papilio polytes GI, Aristolochia bracteolate, A. indica, A. tagala, A. griffithi, A. elegans, Thottea

siliquosa.

Common mormon** Papilio Romulus GI, Aristolochia bracteolate, A. indica, A. tagala, A. griffithi, A. elegans, Thottea

siliquosa.

Common mormon** Papilio stichius GIII, Aristolochia bracteolate, A. indica, A. tagala, A. griffithi, A. elegans, Thottea

siliquosa.

Common jay*** Graphium doson GII, Cinnamomum macrocarpum, Magnolia grandiflora, Michelia champaca, Milliusa

tomentosum and Polyalthia longifolia.

Tailed jay*** Graphium Agamemnon GI, Lime, orange and lemons. C. aurantifolia, C. sinensis, Atalanta racemosa, Glycosmis

arborea, Curry Tree Murraya koenigii.

Lime butterfly** Papilio demoleus GIII, Glycosmis pentaphylla, Cultivated lime, C. grandis, orange and lemons. C.

Aurantifolia, C. sinensis, Atalanta racemosa, C. limo.

Blue mormon* Papilio polymnestor GII, Glycosmis arborea, and Citrus grandis, Atalantia wightii, Paramigyna monophylla,

Citrus limon. Atalantia racemosa.

Common rose** Atrophaneura

dristolochiae

GII, Aristolochia bracteolate, A. indica, A. tagala, A. griffithi, A. elegans, Thottea

siliquosa.

Citrus swallow tail*** Papilio demoleus GIII, Anacardiaceae,Apiaceae,Rutacea,Sapindaceae,

Family name-Pieridae

Mottled emigrant** Catopsilia pyranthe GII, Cassia spp. (e.g. C. fistula, C. auriculata, C. occidentalis, C. tora), Sesbania

bispinosa.

Common emigrant** Catopsilia Pomona GII, Species of Cassia. Other host plants include Palash or Flame of the Forest Butea

monosperma, Cassia fistula.

Small grass yellow * Eurema brigitta GII, Cassia cleinii, Smithia sensitiva, Chamaecrista mimosoides.

Common grass yellow* Eurema hecaba GII, Abrus precatorius, Aeschynomene spp. (A. americana, A. indica), Calliandra

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haematocephala, Senna alata.

Common jezebel* Delias eucharis GI, Dendrophthoe falcata, Helicanthes elastica, Scurrula parasitica, Viscum spp.

Cabbage butterfly* Pieris rapae GIII, Nasturtium spp., Rorippa dubia, Sisymbrium sp., Cabbage and related species.

Psyche** Leptosia nina GIII, Cleome viscosa, Capers e.g. Capparis zeylanica, C. rheedii, C. sepiaria, C.

spinosa, Crataeva adansonii.

Common wanderer* Pareronia valeria GIII, Capparis heyneana.

Crimson tip* Colotis danae GII, Capparidaceae,the Indian caper,Capparis divaricata,Macruna oblongifolia,

Cadaba fructicosa.

Lemon emigrant** Catopsilia crocale GIII, ndian laburnum, Kassod tree, Flame of the forest,Bauhinia racemosa.

Family name-Lycaenidae

Common cerulean* Jamides celeno GII, Saraca asoka, Abrus precatorius, Butea monosperma, Phaseolus adenanthus,

Pongamia pinnata, Xylia xylocarpa.

Samll cupid*** Chilades parrhasius GIII, Bell Mimosa Dichrostachys cinerea.

Common silver line*** Spindasis vulcanus GII, Jamides celeno

Forgot me not* Catochrysops Strabo GII, Ougeinia dalbergioides, Cylista scariosa, Desmodium elegans, cultivated legumes,

Schleichera trijuga.

Common pierrot* Castalius rosimon GIII, Ziziphus jujuba, Z. mauritiana, Z. rugosa.

Malayan* Megisba Malaya GIII, Allophyllus cobbe, Kumkum tree Mallotus philippensis.

Pea blue**** Lampides boeticus GIII, Fabacea species like Medicago, Crotalaria, Polygala, Dolichus, Cytisus.

Family name-Hesperiidae

Samall branded swift*** Pelopidas mathias GII Axonopus compressus, Grass spp.

Common*, Very common**, Uncommon ***, Rare ****

Group I (GI)-Agriculture field, Group II (GII)-Grassland, Group III (GIII)-Herbs & shrubs

The family-wise composition of butterfly species at Palakkad

district was recorded. Fifty five butterfly varieties under five

families including three different habitats surveyed. Famliy

Nymphalidae with maximum of (n=27) species consist of

49%, including Parantica aglea, Junonia lemonias, Danus

genita, Acraea tersicore, Danus chrysippus,Junonia iphita,

Tirumala limnaceae, Junonia hierta, Melanitis leda, Melanitis

phedima, Melanitis zitenus, Mycalesia perseus, Mycalesia

mineus, Euthalia aconthae, Byblia ilithiya, Hypolimnas

misippus, Hypolimnas bolina, Junonia orithiya, Tirumala

septentrionis, Ypthima huebneri, Ariande merione, Euploea

core,Neptis hylas, Phaedyma columella, Elymnias

hypermnestra, Parantica niligirensis, Polura agrarian

followed by Papilionidae with (n=10) species consist of

18.1% of butterflies(Atrophaneura hector, Papilio polytes,

Papilio Romulus, Papilio stichius, Graphium doson,

Graghium Agamemnon, Papilio demoleus, Papilio

polymnestor, Atrophaneura dristolochiae, Papilio demoleus),

family Pieridae with (n=10) species consist of 18.1%

(Catopsilia pyranthe, Catopsilia Pomona, Eurema brigitta,

Eurema hecaba, Delias eucharis, Pieris rapae, Leptosia nina,

Pareronia valeria, Colotis danae, Catopsilia crocale),

Lycaenidae with (n= 7) species consist of 12.7% including

Jamides celeno, Chilades parrhasius, Spindasis vulcanus,

Catochrysops Strabo, Castalius rosimon, Megisba Malaya,

Lampides boeticus and found to be minimum in Hesperidae

with (n=1) species consist of 2% of Pelopidas mathias were

recorded.

Table 2: Diversity Indices of Butterfly Species in Five Different Habitats

Habitat Shannon index Simpson index Dominance Index Margalef index Pielouf index

Agricultural field 0.964 2.455 16.363 56.589 0.5544

Grassland 1.498 4.188 30.909 43.886 0.8611

Shrubs& Herbs 1.077 2.304 52.727 36.925 0.6189

The values of Pielouf’s index indicate that there is an equal

distribution of the species in all five different habitats and

even with high value in Grassland habitat with (0.8611)

Agricultural field and shrubs habitat shows the lowest value

of Pielouf index ranges from (0.5544 to 0.6189) and it is not

possible to identify a dominant habitat ranges. In Grassland

habitat the Shannon index value was the highest represents

(1.498) and lowest in Argicultural field with (0.964). The

Grassland habitat shows the highest value of Simpson index

with (4.188) and lowest value was found to be in Shrubs and

herbs habitat with (2.304). Margalef index presents high value

in Agricultural field presenting (56.589) and low in herbs and

shrubs habitat with (36.925), thus indicating possible

differences in species richness among habitats. The

dominance index with highest values in Shrubs and herbs

with (52.727) and found to be lowest in Agricultural field

with (16.363). The present study recorded maximum butterfly

species in Herbs and Shrubs (n=29, AM: 7.25,

SD:7.182,SE:3.591, df:3) which consist of 52.72%, followed

by grassland (n=17 AM: 3.40, SD: 1.673, SE: 0.748, df:4),

which consist of 30.90%, Agricultural field shows the

minimum number,(n=9, AM: 3.000, SD: 1.732, SE: 1.000, df:

2) which consist of 16.36% were observed during the study.

Fifty five species of butterflies were categorized under IUCN

status. Among butterflies, the one Rare species was found to

be the lowest (n=1) which consist of 1.81%, The Uncommon

species (n=12) which consist of 21.81% The Very common

species (n=16) which was 29.09% The Common species

found to be the maximum (n=26) which consist of 47.27%

were recorded during the present study.

The monthly-wise abundance of butterfly species was

recorded. During the survey 293 individuals belonging to 5

families were observed. The study observed that maximum

numbers of butterfly species in the month of January (n=80,

AM: 5.71, SD:6.069,SE: 1.622, df: 13) which consist of

27.30%, followed by December (n=76, AM:2.45, SD:1.912,

SE: 0.343, df:30) which consist of 25.93%, November (n=70,

AM: 4.61, SD:3.309, SE:0.854, df: 14) which consist of

23.89%, October (n=63, AM:4.50, SD:3.459, SE:0.924,

df:13) which consist of 21.50% and lowest digit of butterflies

observed in September (n=4, AM:1.00) which consist of

1.26% were recorded during the study. The study observed

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maximum numbers of butterflies belonging to the family

Pieridae followed by Papilionidae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae

and Hesperridae. Lemon emigrant (Catopsilia crocale)

belonging to Pieridae family was most dominant species

followed by Common crow (Euploea core), Common

emigrant (Catopsilia Pomona) and minimum numbers of

butterflies like Bright babial blue (Papilio ulysses), Malayan

(Megisba malaya) were observed during the study. The

present study also documented the butterfly with the host

plant species. The study area was dominated by plant species

belonging to the families Annonaceae, Apocynaceae,

Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Acanthaceae, Rubiaceae, Urticaceae,

Tiliceae, Euphorbiaceae, Passifloraceae, Poaceae, includes

Ficus sp, Calotropis sp, Tridax sp, Polyalthia longifolia,

Cassia fistula, Tabernaemontana sp, Alstonia scholaris, Ixora

sp, Lantana camara, Cleome viscose, Aegle sp, Citrus sp,

Terminalia arjuna, Murraya sp, Pisidium guajava, Areca

catechu, Cocos nucifera, Mangifera indica, Hibiscus sp,

Zizyphus jujuba, Justicia sp, Sida sp, Nerium sp, Mussaenda

frondosa, Cosmos sp, Zinnia sp, Bougainvillea sp and grasses.

4. Discussion [29] reported that overall 79 species of butterflies belongs to

five families including family Nymphalidae with Maximum

of 40 species followed by Lycanidae 13 varieties,

Papilionidae 9 species, 7 Hesperidae species under the five

different habitats like Grassland, Herbs and shrubs, Pond,

Agrifield and Garden field. We observed 55 species of

butterflies belonging to five different families. The family

Nymphalidae was found to maximum with 27 species,

followed by Papilionidae 10 species, Pieridae 10 species,

Lycanidae 7 species and one Hesperiidae species during the

study in Pallassana village, Palakkad district. The family

Nymphalidae (Brush-footed) outnumbered with maximum

species, this is because of their ecological adaptation [45],

speciation and high dispersal ability [46]. This is because their

polyphagous nature which helps them to inhabit in all habit.

Their dominance is also because of their active flying nature

and they can search a large area of resources [47]. The study

area documented maximum butterfly species in the family

Nymphalidae in herbs and shrubs habitat with 29 species,

followed by the habitat Grassland 17 species and Agricultural

field 9 species [29]. reported that overall 79 species of

butterflies belonging to 5 different families and 5 different

habitats like Grassland, Trees & shrubs, Pond, Agrifield,

Garden field. The butterfly diversity and abundance is highly

correlated with the availability of food plants and assemblage

of plant varieties in the habitat [21] (Kunte, 2000).

The present study area is dominated by plant species

belonging to families Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae,

Malvaceae, Acanthaceae, Rubiaceae etc. namely Ficus sp,

Calotropis sp, Tridax sp, Polyalthia longifolia, Cassia fistula,

Tabernaemontana sp, Alstonia scholaris, Ixora sp, Lantana

camara, Cleome viscosa, Aegle sp, Citrus sp, Terminalia

arjuna, Murraya sp, Psidiu.m guajava, Areca catechu, Cocos

nucifera, Mangifera indica, Hibiscus sp, Zizyphus jujuba,

Justicia sp, Sida sp, Nerium sp, Mussaenda frondosa, Cosmos

sp, Zinnia sp, Bougainvillea sp and grasses. Floral preference

in polinatiors may vary from species to species. The

abundance of butterfly species population depends on the

availability of positive tropical climate and topographic

features of the regions [48-50]. The butterfly diversity correlates

with the larval host plants and adult nectar plants. Factors like

predators, parasites and rainfall are major cause of influence

on butterfly abundance in particular habitat [51]. The study

area recorded 55 species of butterflies, were categorized into

Rare with 1 species, and followed by Uncommon with 12

species, Very common 16 species and Common with 26

species [52]. Reported the percentage of butterfly status of

presence or absence were Common (C), Very common (VC),

Uncommon (UC), Rare (R) [53]. Had recorded 46 species of

butterflies throughout Chennai city including Guindy National

park, [29] recorded that 79 butterfly species into 3 categories.

Rare with 3 species, Uncommon 27 species and Common 49

species.

The study area recorded maximum abundance of butterflies in

the month of January with 80 species followed by December,

November, and less butterfly species found in September

month which constitute of 4 species. Lemon emigrant

(Catopsilia crocale) belonging to Pieridae family was most

dominant species followed by Common crow(Euploea core),

Common emigrant(Catopsilia Pomona) and minimum

numbers of butterflies like Bright babial blue (Papilio

ulysses), Malayan (Megisba malaya) were observed during

the study. Diversity and abundance of butterflies correlate

with the flowering phenology of plants [54-55, 21]. The

abundance of butterfly diversity in different ecosystem is

directly proportional to the type and variety of flowers and

number of plants in a particular area. Study revealed that

family Nymphalidae, Papilionidae and Pieridae species

highest during October to January due to availability of

highest nectar during the season. Butterflies are common for

only a few months and rare or absent in other parts of the

year. Butterflies are sensitive to the changes in the habitat and

climate, which influence their distribution and abundance [56].

Habitat destruction, degradation, fragmentation, grazing,

forest fires and application of pesticides affect the population

of butterflies. In urban areas, many species of butterflies

depends on remnant vegetation or secondary forest for their

survival [57-58]. Mostly all wildlife faunal species are fast

disappearing due to decrease greenery areas and increase of

pollution. This ecosystem destruction directly affects the

destruction of butterfly diversity in that area [59-60]. Abundance

of butterflies usually indicates a healthier ecosystem.

Butterflies also serve as major pollinators of both wild and

cultivated plants. Although we cannot completely nullify the

ill effects of urbanization and development, we can at least try

to reduce them by planting endemic trees and plants

supporting the local wildlife. This will make sure that at least

the common species will not go on to the verge of extinction.

5. Conclusion

Due to lack of suitable management, unsustainable utilization

of natural resources, deforestation and urbanization,

uncontrolled use of pesticides, in-organic manures,

environmental pollution leads to the destruction of host plant

might be adversely affect the existence of both insects and

floral diversity of the area. By planting endemic trees and

plants supporting the local wildlife which will make at least

the common species will not go on to the verge of extinction.

In addition, further research will be needed for documentation

of butterfly species which gives future conservation of

butterflies in Kerala.

6. Acknowledgement

I thank Ms. R. Laksmipriya and Ms. Adhira. S for helping me

to identify the butterfly species.

~ 325 ~


7. Figure

7.1 Plate

1. Glassy blue tiger 2. Lemon pansy 3. Striped tiger 4. Tawny coaster 5. Plain tiger 6. Chocolate pansy 7. Blue tiger 8. Yellow pansy 9. Common

evening brown 10. Dark evening brown 11. Great evening brown 12. Common bush brown 13. Dark banded bush brown 14. Common baron

15. Joker 16. Danaid egg fly.

1 4 2 3

5 6 7 8

9 10

00

0

11 12

13 14

4

15 16

~ 326 ~


7.2 Plate

17. Great egg fly 18. Blue pansy 19. Dark blue tiger 20. Common four ring 21. Common castor 22. Common crow 23. Common sailor 24. Short

banded sailor 25. Common palm fly 26. Niligiri blue tiger 27. Anomalous nawab 28. Crimson rose 29. Common Mormon 30. Common Mormon

31. Common Mormon 32. Common jay.

32 30 29

28

31

25

24 23 22 21

17 19 18 20

26 29

~ 327 ~


7.3 Plate

33. Tailed jay 34. Lime butterfly 35. Blue mormon 36. Common rose 37. Citrus swallow tail 38. Mottled emigrant 39. Common emigrant

40. Small grass yellow 41. Common grass yellow 42. Common jezebel 43. Cabbage butterfly 44. Psyche 45. Common wanderer 46. Crimson tip

47. Lemon emigrant 48.Common cerulean

46 47 48 45

44 43 42 41

37 38 39 40

33 34 35 36

~ 328 ~


7.4 Plate

49. Small cupid 50. Common silver line 51. Forgot me not 52. Common pier rot 53. Malayan 54. Pea blue 55. Pea blue.

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Documents

Status of butterfly species in Pallassena village, Palakkad district ...€¦ · Tamil Nadu, India species, agricultural with 9 species. Based on the IUCN list, 26 common species,