Species diversity and community structure of butterfly in urban forest fragments at Lucknow, India

Abstract

The survey was carried out between September 2015-August 2016 in five different localities  in Lucknow like Bijli Pasi Quila, Smriti Upvan, Vanasthali Park, Butchery Ground and BSNVPG College Campus, Lucknow, 26.84’N latitude and 80.92’E longitude, is located at an elevation of 126 meters above sea level and in the plain of northern India. Its location is responsible for the diverse weather patterns and climate change. The region has tropical dry equable climate having three main seasons; cold, hot and rainy season. Temperature of the city ranges from 23.8- 45.8°C in summer and 4.6-29.7°C in winter. During the study, butterflies were collected mainly with the help of circular aerial net, which were then placed in killing jar. Killed butterflies were stored in the insect box by proper pinning them for identification. During the course of study, 30 species of butterflies, belonging to 26 genera, representing 5 families, were recorded in Lucknow. 11 Species from nymphalidae, 7 sp. pieridae, 5 sp. from lycaenidae, 3 sp. From hesperidae and 3 sp. from papilionidae were recorded in all selective sites. The butterflies observed were categorized into groups based on their relative numbers; most common >9-10, common 6-8, rare 3-5, very rare 0-2. This study is used for academic as well as applied importance.