Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) of the northern portion of the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The knowledge of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) diversity in Caatinga biome is incipient when compared to the others Brazilian's biomes. Areas considered as priorities for biodiversity conservation in the Caatinga still remain with poor knowledge about their lepidopteran fauna diversity such as the Chapada Diamantina. A study of the diversity of butterflies supported by Programa de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade to the Semiarid region (PPBio) was carried out in two areas considered as priorities for biodiversity conservation in the Caatinga from Bahia State, Morro do Chapéu and Senhor do Bonfim located in the northern portion of the Chapada Diamantina. The samples were realized in dry seasons. A total of 169 species was identified and two of them are new species. Nymphalidae was richest among others butterflies families with 82 species. Two species were registered as endemic to Caatinga.