A checklist of butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera) from Taleigao Plateau, Goa, India

Abstract

In a recent survey at the Taleigao plateau in Goa, a total of 98 species of butterflies belonging to 72 genera under five families were recorded.  This amounts to around 39% of the total reported butterfly fauna of the state. Nymphalidae with 34 species was the most dominant family followed by Lycaenidae (25 spp.), Hesperiidae (16 spp.), Pieridae (13 spp.), and Papilionidae (11 spp.).  Findings of the present study underline the importance of Taleigao plateau as a preferred habitat for butterflies.