Studies on rhopaloceran diversity of high altitude Chandertal Wetland in Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Wetlands are among most threatened habitats of world due to many reasons including anthropogenic pressure. Chandertal wetland consists of grassy meadows and a half moon shaped rock basin Chandertal Lake (4270 m above mean sea level). It is designated as inernational Ramsar site and also wildlife sanctuary. Survey on butterflies was carried out there by considering the importance and fragility of this cold desert ecosystem. The research work in Chandertal wetland revealed presence of six rhopaloceran species (Lepidoptera) belonging to Nymphalidae (2 species), Pieridae (2 species), Lycaenidae and Satyridae (1 species each).