Butterfly-fauna of Gulmarg, Kashmir, J&K State.

Abstract

Field surveys conducted at Gulmarg, Kashmir during the years of 2006-08 revealed presence of 31 butterfly species distributed in 8 families and 27 genera. During the present preliminary field investigations documented for the first time the dominant family was found to be Nymphalidae (36%) followed by Pieridae (23%), Satyridae (19%), Lycaenidae (10%) whereas Danaidae, Hesperiidae, Libytheidae and Papilionidae were represented by 3% each. The butterflies were active from April to November and highest distribution was in summer season. Diversity was calculated by Shannon-Weiner, Simpson and Margalaf's diversity indices and the values obtained by these indices indicated that the area is rich in butterfly diversity. However, human pressure due to tremendous flow of tourists was found a major threat to the environment of the area. 11 host-plants distributed in 8 families and 11 genera are being reported for the first time and highest number of butterflies visited the members of Asteraceae.