Altitudinal Distribution of Papilionidae Butterflies along with Their Larval Food Plants in the East Himalayan Landscape of West Bengal, India

Abstract

The altitudinal distribution of Papilionidae butterflies across the East Himalayan Landscape of West Bengal, India is presented here. 26 butterfly species are known to occur across 11 altitudinal belts. Species Richness (R) and Species Diversity (H′) are said to be highest between 1200 - 1400 masl (meters above sea level). In contrast, lowest values of Species Richness and Species Diversity occur at the highest altitude of 3000 masl and above. Maximum number of individuals occurs between 900 - 1100 masl while the minimum number of individuals was present at the highest altitude of 3000 masl or above. 35 species of plants belonging to 6 families served as the larval food plant of these butterflies. Thus the presence of suitable larval host plants probably governs the altitudinal distribution of these papilionid species of butterflies. 30.77% of butterfly species are strictly monophagous in nature.