Comparative study of diversity and seasonal abundance of butterflies in two different sites (Chatra Villas Garden and Abheda), Kota, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Butterflies are the most important “bioindicators” representing the overall health of the ecosystem (Pollard, 1991). Butterflies are dependent on different types of vegetation for their life. They are facing threats due to habitat loss and climate change that varies with seasons. Chatra villas garden is endowed with butterflies diversity due to lush green vegetation. Comparatively Abheda is lower in species richness and abundance of butterflies due to habitat loss and lesser variation in vegetation. Study of these bioindicators is crucial for patronage efforts, monitoring of ecosystem and overall understanding the health of the ecosystem. Number of species of butterflies is decreasing day by day due to increase use of pesticides, deforestation and climate change that ultimately results in loss of habitat of butterflies. The study was carried out in March 2022 to February 2023. For the sampling of butterflies “Line Transect Method” was used. The Microsoft excel was used for analyzing the data and for making the graphs. Maximum abundance (205) and species richness (19) was reported in Chatra villas garden. While in Abheda 191 individuals and 11 species of butterflies was reported. Shannon diversity index of Chatra villas garden (H= 2.288) is more than the Abheda (H= 1.883). The highest Simpson’s diversity index was at the Chatra villas garden (D= 0.8651) than Abheda (D= 0.176). The species richness Margalef’s index (R) of Chatra villas garden (R= 3.381) was higher than the Abheda (R= 1.903). Pielou’s eveness index (e) of Chatra villas garden was (e= 0.777) lesser than Abheda (e= 0.785). Nymphalidae family was the dominant family in both Chatra villas garden (36.84%) and in Abheda (54.54%).The least dominant family in Chatra villas garden was Hesperiidae (5.26%) while in Abheda, Lycaenidae (18.18%) was the least dominant family. Danaus chrysippus (Plain tiger butterfly) and Eurema brigitta (Brush bordered yellow) was the most dominant species in C.V garden. While in the Abheda Zizula hylax (Tiny grass blue) was the most dominant species followed by Danaus chrysippus.