Characteristics of butterfly (Lepidoptera) fauna from Kabal, Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

The beautiful creature of nature, butterflies (Lepidoptera) have great aesthetic and commercial values as they are beneficial as pollinator and environmental indicator. The present survey was conducted to determine the characteristics of butterfly fauna from Kabal, Swat, Pakistan during March-June 2013. The study area was divided into 4 quadrates. A total of 170 specimens were collected 13 species, falling in 10 genera and were identified belonging to 3 different families. The species identified, the Indian fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius) (Linnaeus, 1763) (female and male); painted lady (Cynthia cardui) (Linnaeus, 1758); blue pansy (Junonia orithya) Linnaeus, 1758; plain tiger (Danaus chrysippus) (Linnaeus, 1758); common leopard (Phalantha phalantha) (Drury, 1773) and common sailor butterfly (Neptis hylas) (Linnaeus, 1758) were belonging to family Nymphalidae. The great black mormon (Papilio memnon) Linnaeus, 1758; Chinese peacock black swallowtail emerald (Papilio bianor) Cramer, 1777; dingy swallowtail (Papilio anactus) Macleay, 1826 and lime butterfly (Papilio demoleus) Linnaeus, 1758 were belonging to family Papilionidae. The common grass yellow (Eumera hecab) (Linnaeus, 1758); little orange tip (Coloti etrida) (Boisduval, 1836) and Murree green-veined white (Pieris ajaka) Moore 1865 were belonging to family Pieridae. The characteristics of butterfly fauna from Kabal are helpful in awareness, education and further research. A detail study is required for further exploration of butterflies’ fauna of Kabal.