Occurrence of Butterflies in a mini-urban garden in Universidad de Manila (UDM) including short-distance migration analysis

Abstract

Butterflies are attracted to specific host plants and suitable nectarine plants, cuttings of different fruits, and moistened stones in the garden. The migration of butterflies from the Arroceros Park to the roof top garden of UDM was identified. This study focuses on the factors that influence the pattern of butterfly migration at UDM. Quantitative random sampling was utilized. Frequency of butterfly visits were recorded twice a month for one year from June 2015 to May 2016 between 9 am to 5 pm daily. Lux meter was used to measure the intensity of light. There were 22 species of butterflies identified, corresponding to certain groups of nectarine food plants and larval host plants. Migration of butterflies towards the roof top garden was generally influenced by the presence of host plants and nectarine plants in UDM garden. There is a need to maintain these plants throughout the year to conserve the butterfly species that have an identified occurrence in this particular urban garden.