Validation and documentation of some rare butterflies [Insecta: Lepidoptera] in the Nilgiris, Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The study involved validation and to document some rare butterflies in the Nilgiris District. Inventories of 14 species belonging to three families were recorded during this study. The maximum number of butterfly species was sampled during the monsoons. Lycaenidae was the most dominant family with 7 species followed by Nymphalidae with 5 species and Hesperiidae with 2 species. The present study consists of recording distribution of rare butterflies in Nilgiris District, which may provide basic data for study of Lepidoptera biodiversity of this region. The detailed distribution, locality, forest type and photographs are provided for accurate identification.