Biodiversity of butterflies in Jintur forest region

Abstract

The Butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera. It is one of the mega orders of the class Insecta, which occur throughout the world. Butterflies are visible and colorful insects. Due to their attractiveness, they have acquired a niche in the prose and poetry of various cultures. Therefore, they have made an excellent subject for natural history observations and scientific studies. Due to increasing population, man has exploited and destroyed wildlife habitats. Habitats are reduced due to urbanization, industrialization, agricultural development, vegetation manipulation, and shifting cultivation. Natural habitats such as forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, mangroves, etc., are under tremendous pressure due to increasing activities of human beings. Butterflies pollinate the crop plants grown worldwide for food, beverages, fibers, condiments, spices, and medicines. The paper reveals the species of butterflies in the Jintur forest region.