Diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) in a temperate forest ecosystem, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Indian Himalayan Region

Abstract

Observational studies aiming to elucidate the differences in butterfly fauna along altitudinal gradients in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary were carried out during 2014-2015. The study revealed a total of 2591 individuals belonging to 46 species and 35 genera under six families of butterflies. Four species under legal protection were also recorded. Family Nymphalidae was the most dominant with 22 species followed by Pieridae (12 species), Lycaenidae (4 species), Papilionidae, Riodinidae (3 species each) and Hesperiidae (2 species). Higher values of species richness, abundance and diversity were recorded for transects at the low altitudinal site. Species such as Aglais caschmirensis (Fruhstorfer), Pieris canidia indica Evans, Pieris brassicae Linnaeus and Byasa polyeuctes letincius (Fruhstorfer) were most abundant, while Dodona ouida Hewitson, Udara dilectus Moore, Aulocera padama Kollar, Talicada nyseus (Guérin-Méneville) and Argynnis childreni (Gray) accounting for 1.38% of the total individuals of butterflies, were least abundant species during the study period. Results of the study on diversity and distributions of butterflies are preliminary ones which would help in strengthening the biodiversity status of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.