Diversity and abundance of butterflies of Kerala University Campus, Kariavattom Thiruvananthapuram

Abstract

The present study reflects the richness and diversity of butterflies at Kariavattom Campus. This study reported 105 species of butterflies from four study sites. The highest number of butterflies was recorded belonging to the Nymphalidae (40 species), followed by Lycaenidae (23 species), Hesperiidae (18 species), Pieridae (13 species) and Papilionidae (11 species). This study revealed that Nymphalidae was most dominating family with a highest number of species and individuals. The highest number of butterfly species (83) was recorded at site 3 (Botany garden) followed by 65 at site-1 (Medicinal Garden), 32 at site 2 (Mixed Vegetation) and 9 species at site 4 (Grass land). Most butterfly species were observed during June and May and least in April and March. Among the 105 butterflies recorded, 21 species come under the protection category as per the Indian Wild Life protection Act 1972 among 8 belong to various Schedules and 9 are endemic to Western Ghats.