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Summary
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INTRODUCTION
Biodiversity is the foundation of ecosystem services to which human
well being is intimately linked. No feature of Earth is more complex,
dynamic and varied than the layer of living organisms that occupy its
surfaces and seas, and no feature is experiencing more dramatic change at
the hands of humans than this extraordinary, singularly unique feature of
earth. Biodiversity means the variability among living organisms from all
sources and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This includes
diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.
In spite of many tools and data sources, biodiversity remains difficult
to quantify precisely. The world is currently facing its greatest ever
biodiversity crisis. Wildlife is becoming extinct because of habitat loss, over
grazing, over hunting, pollution and over population. So precise answer are
seldom needed to devise an effective understanding of where biodiversity is,
how it is changing over space and time, the drivers responsible for such
change, the consequences of such change for ecosystem services and human
well-being, and the response options available. Biodiversity study is one of
the important corner stone of sustainable development. Ideally, to assess the
conditions and trends of biodiversity either globally or sub globally, it is
necessary to measure the abundance of all organisms over space and time,
using taxonomy, functional traits, and the interaction among species that
affect their dynamics and function.
India is the seventh largest country in the world and Asia second
largest nation. Biogeographically India is situated at the tri junction of three
realms namely Afro-tropical, Indo Malayan and Pale arctic realms and this
assemblage of three distinct realms makes the country rich and unique in
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biological diversity. India is located in south Asia, between latitudes 60 and
380 N and Longitudes 69
0 and 97
0 E. The Indian landmass extending over
the total geographical area of about 3029 million hectares. The wide variety
in physical features and climatic situation has resulted in a diversity of
ecological habitats. The richness in biodiversity is due to immense variety of
climatic and altitudinal conditions coupled with varied ecological habitats.
India having vast geographical area is quite rich in biodiversity with a
sizable percentage of endemic flora and fauna. India is the world’s sixth
richest nation in terms of biodiversity. From the rain forest of north east
India to frozen frontiers of the Himalayas from the deserts of the Great Rann
of Kutch to the thorny, dry deciduous forest and grasslands of Central India
and evergreen forest of Western Ghats in south India to moist deciduous
forest to central India Madhya Pradesh. Such diversity of habitats not only
supports wildlife but also rich natural resources.
The Narmada River, hemmed between vindya and Satpuda ranges
extends over an area of 98,796 km2. Lies between east longitudes 72 degrees
32,
to 81 degrees 45’ and north latitudes 21 degrees 20’ to 23 degrees 45’
lying on the northern extremity of the Deccan Plateau. The Narmada also
called the Rewa, is a river in central India and the fifth longest river in the
Indian subcontinent. It is the third longest river that flows entirely within
India, after Godavari and Krishna. It is also known as “Life Line of Madhya
Pradesh” for its huge contribution.
In India about 1, 15,000 species of plants and animals have been
identified and described. The animals of the lower order are very sensitive to
the environmental degradation. They act as a weathercock for the impending
environment and ecological calamities. Conservation of all animals in the
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ecosystem, be them mega species like elephant and tiger or small beautiful
creature like butterflies, is equally important.
The importance of invertebrates in ecological processes and its living
resource of benefit to man should not be underestimated. Invertebrates are
major components of food chain. Insect plays a vital role in the pollination
of many wild as well as cultivated plants. Documentation of biodiversity is
basic need for management planning for conservation. Population of short
lived organisms such as butterfly is excellent indicator of biodiversity and
ecosystem health.
Butterflies and Moths are the insects to which budding entomologists
are first attracted, undoubtedly because of their beautiful coloration and
increasing patterns. Butterflies and Moths belong to order Lepidoptera of
class Insects which is a division of the phylum Arthropod.
Butterflies probably came into existence about 150 million years ago
at about the same time as flowering plants. It is likely that there has been a
constant co-evolution between wild plants and butterflies. There is an
intimate association between butterflies and plants and their lives are
inextricably linked. Wild plants have always co-evolved with insects.
Colorful wild flowers are not pollinated unless they attract and use the
services of insects. Distribution of butterflies is heavily dependent upon the
availability of their food plants. Butterflies visit plants for four important
reasons, to drink nectar, to lay their eggs and to hide away from bad weather
or predators.
Nectar is an important food source of adult butterflies. A single food
source of butterflies, nectar from flowers, has attracted most of the
researchers. This association between butterflies and flowering plants is
mutualistic. The plant is pollinated and the butterflies get their food from the
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plant. Butterflies transfer pollen grains from one plant to another when they
visit to flowers. Larger number of butterflies also fed on other sources of
food, like tree sap, rotting fruits, rotting animals, animal’s droppings etc. For
many butterflies, drinking at wet soil patches is an important feeding
activity. This habit may be connected with salt requirement.
Butterflies are the most beautiful and colorful creatures on the earth
and have a great aesthetic value. Butterflies are also good indicators of
environmental changes as they are sensitive and are directly affected by
changes in the habitats, atmospheric temperature and the whether conditions.
Like distribution the survival of butterflies also depends on the availability
of the larval food plants, which are generally consisting of trees, shrubs,
creepers, saplings etc. Butterflies are one of the most important food chain
components for the spiders, reptiles and birds. Caterpillars of different
butterflies feed on a large number of plant species. However, in majority of
species their food is fundamentally the same mainly leaves. There is a strict
preference for specific host plants. These strict preferences are dictated by
the chemical compositions of the plants that the caterpillar eats.
Butterflies in Madhya Pradesh are scarcely reported and published. In
the recent past, several workers have studied butterflies from some districts
and conservation areas of Madhya Pradesh (Singh, 1997; Gupta 1987;
Chandra et al 2002) .The compilation of all these studies stray records
resulted in enumeration of 174 species/subspecies belonging to 100 genera
spread over eight families.
This study of butterflies in the areas of khargone and khandwa district
of Madhya Pradesh is important, because both districts are gifted with river
Narmada and Dams. Type of forest from this area is mostly Dry deciduous
and some where semi evergreen type. The temperature in summer of this
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area is very high except some places .The floral diversity of this area is quite
rich. So the study of the habitat association of butterflies and documenting
biodiversity of butterflies from this area is interesting topic.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The order Lepidoptera is divided in to the butterflies and moths (sub
order Rhopalocera for butterflies and sub order Heterocera for moths). Sub
order Rhopalocera of the Lepidoptera is identified having one of the
principal characteristics of butterflies that they have clubbed antennae.
Rhopa is Greek word for a club. Lepidoptera is the second largest order
among insects and is about 1, 15,000 species known to literature, from this
17,820 are butterflies probably many more yet to be discovered or named.
Out of which 1641 species of butterfly harbors to India roughly
10.50% of the world total count (Varshney, 2006). Traditional method of
deriving species richness by collecting and counting all the species in an
area required much time, efforts and resources. Hence such studies have not
been carried out in India let back.
Indian butterflies study in history is more than 225 year old. Faunistic
explorations by subsequent workers like Moore (1881); Marshall and de
Niceville (1883); Evans (1932); has contributed much to our knowledge of
these insects. During (1939 to 1947); Talbot published two volumes on
butterflies on the fauna of British India series viz. butterflies, vol. I and vol.
II. “Butterflies of the Indian Region”, published by Wynter-Blyth (1957);
Studies on the butterflies of central India dates back to Forsayeth
(1884); Swinhoe (1886); Betham (1891); and Kunte (2000); listed 271
species of butterflies from Peninsular India. Butterflies and moth is the vast
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group come under order Lepidoptera. Butterflies for a long time have been
the subject of interest to both amateurs and professionals (Brinckerhoff and
sabido, 2000, Santiapillai, 1999, Larsen, 1996, Morris et al 1991). Studies
have shown that butterflies have continued to play a major role in many
areas of scientific research (persons, 1992, Larsen 1996, Morris et al, 1999).
Larsen (1992); points out five areas of scientific discoveries that have
resulted from butterfly research. These are; chemical communication among
came from studies on butterflies and moths and some of the data proved
valuable in devising pest control strategies Butterflies have been used in
population dynamic. Butterflies have been used in studying evolution of
plants by co-evolution of insects. As such plants have evolved new and more
toxic deterrents and butterfly larvae have become increasingly adopted at
overcoming them.
Butterflies have been found to be vital geographical and ecological
indicators; they form communities which are specific to each of the
geographical sub-regions and to different types of ecological conditions.
Butterflies are also vital in plant pollination, monitoring environmental
effects when using chemicals to control pests, and in identifying key areas
for conservation (Morris et al, 1991).
On the other hand butterflies have extensively been used in the social
life such as raising funds for street children. In the handcraft industry,
butterfly wings have over a long time been used in decorations (Parsons,
1992). Butterflies have also been instrumental in the conservation of
tropical forests, development and promotion of rural economies through eco-
tourism and butterfly farming (Parsons, 1992, Santiapillai, 1999).
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In recent past several workers have studied butterfly fauna from some
districts and conservation areas of Madhya Pradesh (Chaudhary, 1995;
Chandra et al. 2000 a, b, 2002; Singh and Chandra, 2002; Siddiqui and
Singh, 2004; Chandra, 2006; Wadatkar, 2004).
HABITAT STUDY
To collect knowledge of any organism most important is to know in
which environment they live several records have been gathered by some
workers which throw light on habitat of butterflies. Larsen (1986a); studied
a dry season aggregation of Danaine butterflies. Devaries et al. (1992);
studied ant association of ninety eighty Riodinid butterflies with 37 plant
families. Corbet (2000); studied the butterfly nectarine flowers butterfly
morphology and flower form. Reid and Culin (2002); observed the effects of
color pattern arrangement and size of color mass on butterfly visitation in
Zinnia elegans. Willmott and Mallet (2004);Studied correlation between
adult mimicry and larval host plant in Ithomiine butterflies. Tillberg and
Breed (2004); examined the co-extinction of tropical butterflies and their
host plants.
Atluri et al., (2004); examine the life history parameters and larval
performance of some South Indian butterfly species. Tiple et al., (2007)
studied the butterfly diversity in relation to human impact gradient on an
Indian University Campus.
Reddy and Subba Reddy (1995); Found pollination of
Celerodendrum infortunatum by butterflies. Kunte (1999); founded the
correlation between the butterfly species and plant species. Again Kunte
(2005); studied the species composition, sex ratio, and movement pattern in
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Danaine butterflies. Anup and Palot (2007): reported new food plant of two
butterfly.
BIODIVERSITY STUDY
Bhalodia et al (2002); studied the butterflies of Vansda National park
Gujarath. Thakur et al. (2002); worked on butterflies of Kalaop Khajjiar
wildlife sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. Palot and Soniya (2003); recorded 48
species of butterflies from Maharashtra. Borkar and Komarpont (2004); have
work on habitat association of butterfly species in Bondla wildlife sanctuary
of Goa. Some amateur wild life persons and butterfly watchers reported new
species of butterflies from different protected areas in central India.
Host plant of larval stages and adults
Larval stages of butterflies are very specific in their feeding habits.
Butterfly larvae recognize their host plants containing certain aromatic
vegetable oils. Apte (1998); reported Ficus hispada as a new food plant of
common Chilasa clytia dissimilis. Arvind (2005); worked on Ficus pumila
as a new host plant of commen Crow butterfly.
Butterflies have fascinated several entomologists, amateur workers
and NGO’s, who have described the habitats, life cycles, occurrence and
diversity of butterflies from various parts of India. (Arun 2003; Arun et al.
2003; Athuri et al. 1999; 2001; 2002; 2004, Bhalodia et al. 2002a; b; c;,
Chaturvedi 1994; 1999; 2001, Chaturvedi et al. 1993; 2001, Palot et al.
2000; 2001; 2002, 2003 a; b, Singh et al. 2007.
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Some field guides, books and other literature also useful to study and
identification of the butterflies (Antaram 1986; Clausen 1985, Kehimkar
1997; 2000; 2006; Mani 1986; 2006, Nelson 2004, Wood 1994).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
As a part of study on the biodiversity and habitat association of
butterflies near the Narmada river bank from Omkareshwar to Maheshwar,
and Mandleshwar the present study was carried out during January 2011 to
December 2013. The selected habitats in protected and non protected areas
were visited and some of the representative areas were selected for habitat
association study.
STUDY AREA
Narmada river bank from Omkareshwar to Maheshwar comes
under Khargone and Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh of central India.
This area is characterized by steep ridges, narrow valleys and deep groves.
The hill regions are well forested; upper, middle and lower plains are broad
and fertile areas, well suited for cultivation. The area is covered with
agriculture and main crops are Gossypium hirsutum, Capsicum annuum ect.
Some places were habitat by human life style.
Omkareshwar
Coordinates 22˚151 N and76.8˚48 E
Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh
state in India. It is on Island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada
River. It is one of the 12 revered jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is about 12
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184
miles (20 km) from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. The shape of the island is
said to be like the Hindu Om symbol.
Mandleshwar
Coordinates 22.8˚ N 75.67˚E
Mandleshwar is a town and a Nagar Panchayat in Khargone district in the
Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a town of historical and religious
importance situated on the banks of Narmada River, 8 km east of
Maheshwar and 99 km south of Indore.
Maheshwar
Coordinates 21˚06N 75˚16˚E/21.10˚N 75.27˚E
Maheshwar is a town in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh state, in
central India. It is located 13 km east of National Highway 3 (Arga-Mumbai
Highway) and 91 km from Indore, the commercial capital of the state. The
town lies on the north bank of the Narmada River.
Methodology
Selected areas are visited regularly twice in a month for 3-5 days. In
addition to regular visits, studies were also carried out during Pugmark
census and waterhole census, trekking and mountaineering expeditions as
well as various surveys in study areas i.e. Education surveys, save girls life
surveys, bird survey etc. and other programs like nature camps, awareness
camps, medical camps etc. During these programs butterflies and habitat
studies were also carried out.
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Butterfly species diversity:
During field trips the butterfly diversity was studied from each area with the
help of following methods.
1. Visual observation and identification
2. Photographic evidences
3. Capture and release method
4. Collection and preservation method (Outside the protected area)
1) Visual observation and identification
During field visits in different forest areas, visual observations were
done by walking in different types of forest e.g. along road side, dense forest
along rivers and streams, valleys, grass lands, shrub forest and around
human habitat and forest rest houses. Approximate 1 km walking for one
direction, but not necessarily in straight line was made and during walking,
species of butterflies were noted. Observations were done at a distance of 1
to 3 meter and identified by observing morphological features. Unidentified
species were photographed and then identified later on with the help of
references.
2) Photographic evidences
For all butterflies, photographic method was used for identification.
Nikon coolpix L120 Digital camera (21 xs; Zoom and 14.1 megapixels) was
used for capturing images of butterflies. Close up lenses were also used for
small sized butterflies, Ultra violet (UV) filter glass was also used to avoided
unwanted rays to protect natural color of butterflies. Photographic images
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186
were examined carefully and identified with the help of various field guides
and references.
3) Capture and release method
When butterfly was unidentified or new to me and difficult to identify
by visual observation, they were captured with the help of insect net
carefully, transferred to plastic transparent box and then identified with the
help of various field guides and references. If identification of captured
butterflies was not possible in field, then photograph were taken in capture
condition and identification was done later on. After identification, butterfly
was released in the same habitat.
4) Collection and preservation method
Butterfly specimens were collected with the help of insect collecting
net from outside the protected area. As a conservation policy, collection of
butterflies was avoided in protected area. Collected specimens were spread
over insect spreading board and preserved in field collection box.
Measurements were taken with the help of scale and venire caliper.
Collected specimens were examined carefully and identified with the help of
various field guides and references.
Morphological study of Butterflies
Collected and preserved butterfly specimens were morphologically
studied with the help of their size, shape, and color and colored markings on
wings. Body size and wing span were measured by Venire caliper.
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Description of butterflies noted to study the pattern of flight, color and
colored markings on wings, body color and body scale pattern.
Photographic images and collected specimens were examined
carefully. Identification was made by using existing literature (Wynter
Blyth, 1957; Talbot, 1975; Gey et al., 1992; Haribal, 1992; Kunte, 2000. All
scientific names follow Varshney (1979, 1985, and 1990) and classification
with common English names is after Wynter-Blyth (1957).
Study of the status:
The status of the butterflies in particular area was calculated by
counting number of butterflies by one-hour method. The number of
butterflies is based on the sightings, counting was done up to one hour or up
to 50 numbers of single species. Some time butterflies number calculated
from 3-4 visit in one area. Status of butterfly species were categorized into
VC - very common (75% - 100%); C - common (50-75% sightings); NR-
not rare (25% –50%); R- rare (5%-25%), VR- very rare (Single sighting to
5%) and LC – Locally Common (Which is commonly found only in
particular area).
Host plant and Nectar Plant study (Floral Study):
Host plants and nectar plants of butterflies were also recorded by visual
observations. Host plants were recorded during laying eggs of butterflies or
by searching the eggs or caterpillars of butterflies. Host plants were recorded
and listed from study area.
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Nectar host plants were recorded according to the visit of butterflies on
flower and taking nectar from that flower. The plants were identified with
the help of books and standard experts.
OBSERVATION AND RESULTS
Butterflies are mainly day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera.
Like other holometabolous insects, the butterfly’s life cycle consist of four
parts egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Most species are diurnal. Butterflies have
large, often brightly colored wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The
present study of “biodiversity and habitat association of butterflies near the
Narmada river bank of Omkareshwar to Maheshwar” was carried out during
February 2011 to December 2013, in selected study areas of central Madhya
Pradesh. After completion of the field survey from study areas, the data of
all surveys from all the regions were compiled and scientific checklist of
butterflies is prepared for each of the area. The results are given in table.
83 species of butterflies belonging to 08 families and 19 subfamilies
of suborder Rhopalocera and Grypocera of the Order Lepidoptera are
recorded. Total 40 species are common to all the areas and 43 species are
common to all human habitat. Out of all, Lambrix salsala, Spindasissyama
peguanus, Mycalesis malsara are very rare butterfly, and not easily founded
on other hand Papilio polytescr and Danaus chrysippus are very common
even founded during hot noon time also.
Summary
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Table 1.1 Checklist of Butterflies from OMKARESHWAR,
MAHESHWAR & MANDLESHWAR REGION
Sr.
No
Common Name Scientific Name
A. Suborder : Rhopalocera
Family : PAPILIONIDAE
1. Subfamily : Papilioninae
1 Common Mormon Papilio polytes Cr.
2 Lime Butterfly Papilio demoleus L.
3 Common Mime Papilio clytia L.
4 Common Rose Pachliopta arstolochiae F.
5 Malabar Rose Pachliopta pandiyan M.
6 Tailed Jay Graphium Agamemnon L.
7 Common Jay Graphium doson Fd.
8 Common Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon L.
II. Family : PIERIDAE
1. Subfamily : Pierinae
9 Common Jezebel Delis eucharis Dry.
10 Common Gull Cepora nerissa F.
11 Pioneer Anaphaeis aurota F.
12 Common Albatross Appis albina darada Fd.
13 White Orange Tip Ixias Marianne Cr.
14 Yellow Orange Tip Ixias pyrene L.
15 Crimson Tip Calotis danae F.
16 Common Wanderer Pareronia valeria Cra.
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2. Subfamily : Colladinae
17 Lemon Emigrant Catopsilia crocale Pomona F.
18 Mottled Emigrant Catopsilia pyranthe L.
19 Small Grass Yellow Eurema brigitta rubella Wallace
20 Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe L.
21 Threespot Grass Yellow Eurema blanda silhetana Wallace
III. Family : DANAIDAE
1. Subfamily : Danainae
22 Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus L.
23 Common Tiger Danaus genutia Cr.
24 Blue Tiger Tirumala limniace
25 Glassy Tiger Parantica aglea
2. Subfamily : Euploeinae
26 Common Indian Crow Euploea core Cr.
IV. Family : SATYRIDAE
1. Subfamily : Satyrinae
27 Comm. Evening Brown Melanitis leda ismeme Cr.
28 Common Bushbrown Mycalesis perseus F.
29 Dark-Brand Bushbrown Mycalesis mineus L.
30 White-line Bushbrown Mycalesis malsara M.
31 Tamil Bushbrowm Mycalesis Visala subdita M.
32 Common Treebrown Lethe rohria F.
33 Bamboo Treebrown Lethe europa F.
34 Common Three -ring Ypthima asterope mahratta M.
35 Common Four- ring Ypthima ceylonica huebneri Kirby.
Summary
191
V. Family : NYMPHALIDAE
1. Subfamily : Biblidinae
36 Joker Byblia ilithyia Dry.
37 Common Castor Ariadne merione Cr.
38 Angled Castor Ariadne ariadne L.
2. Subfamily : Agrynninae
39 Common Leopard Phalanta phalantha Dry.
3. Subfamily : Nymphalinae
40 Painted Lady Cynthia cardui L.
41 Lemon Pansy Junonia lemonias L.
42 Grey Pansy Junonia atlited L.
43 Peacock Pansy Junonia almana L.
44 Danaid Eggfly Hypolamnas misippus L.
45 Great Eggfly Hypolamnas bolina L.
46 Orange Oak Leaf Kallima inachus Bdv.
4. Subfamily : Limenitidinae
47 Baronet Euthalia nais Forst
48 Baron Euthalia aconthea Cr.
49 Commander Moduza procris procris Cr.
50 Common Sailer Neptis hylas varmona L.
51 Common Sergeant Parathyma perius Linn
52 Orange Staff Sergeant Parathyma cama Moore
5. Subfamily : Charaxinae
53 Common Nawab Polyura athamas Dry
54 Black Rajah Charaxes fabius F.
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192
6. Subfamily : Acraeinae
55 Tawny Coster Acraea violae F.
VI. Family : RIODINIDAE
1. Subfamily : Riodininae
56 Plum Judy Abisara echerius Stoll.
VII. Family : LYCAENIDAE
1. Subfamily : Polyommatinae
57 Tiny Grass Blue Zizula hylax F.
58 Grass Jewel Freyeria trochylus Freyer
59 Lesser Grass Blue Zizinia otis F.
60 Pale Grass Blue Pseudozizeeria maha Koll
61 African Babul Blue Azanus jesous (Guerin)
62 Common Hedge Blue Calastrina puspa Moore
63 Plains Cupid Chilades pandava
64 Small Cupid Chilades parrhasius
65 Dark Caerulean Jamides bochus Cr.
66 Common Caerulean Jamides celeno Cr.
67 Dark Pierrot Taracus ananda DeN
68 Common Pierrot Castalius rosimon (F)
69 Common Lineblue Prosotas nora C & R Felder
70 Tailless Lineblue Prosotas dubiosa sivoka Evans
2. Subfamily : Aphnaeinae
71 Common Silverline Spindasis vulcanus F.
72 Club Silverline Spindasis syama Peguanus M.
3. Subfamily : Theclinae
73 Indian Red Flash Rapala jarbus Fab.
Summary
193
74 Large Oak Blue Arhopala amantes Hew.
B. Suborder : Grypocera
VIII. Family : HESPERIIDAE
1. Subfamily : Coeliadinae
75 Brown Awl Badamia exclamationis F.
76 Common Banded Awl Hasora chromus Car
2. Subfamily : Pyrginae
77 Common spotted Flat Celaenorrhinus leucocera Koll.
78 Indian Skipper Spialia galba F.
79 Golden Angle Odontoptilum ransonnetti C & R
Felder
3. Subfamily : Hesperiinae
80 Indian Palm Bob Suastus gremius F.
81 Dark Palm Dart Telicota ancilla Mabille
82 Common Dart Potanthus pseudomaesa
83 Common Dartlet Oriens gola Moore
DISCUSSION
A detail survey of butterflies in different 3 habitats from Narmada was
carried out during February 2011to December 2013. 83 butterflies from 8
families are recorded. During survey the larval as well as adult host plants of
the butterflies were also observed and noted.
Oriental landscapes are increasingly dominated by human land use
systems and natural forest cover is decreasing rapidly in India in general and
in central India in particular. The present work embodies the diversity of
butterflies in Narmada region in selected 3 ecosystems distributed all over
Summary
194
near primary forest, agroforesty and rivers and streams in the Narmada. Both
butterfly species richness and abundance are seemed to be significantly
affected by habitat related modification. Narmada region has an extremely
diverse terrain, climate and vegetation, which comprises extremes of heat
and cold of low lying plains and the highest mountains, of dryness and
dampness, widely varying flora related to sharply marked seasons.
The present results are clearly indicating that the butterflies in
Narmada region prefer grass lands, dry deciduous forest and river rime
ecosystems the most. However, logged areas are least preferred by them.
The present results also showed that agroforestry systems, containing
remnants of natural forest and a mixed forest had to sustain high site
richness. Butterfly species diversity was observed to increase from mixed
forest to dry deciduous forest and then to grass land, through river rime
ecosystem. The distribution pattern observed in Narmada clearly indicates
that the ecoresources for butterflies are not uniformly distributed in Narmada
and further plant species does not satisfactorily explain the butterfly species
diversity. However, larval host plants relation including grasses do affect the
diversity of butterflies in Narmada. Further the nectar host plant having
flowers of composite inflorescence also have a major impact on butterfly
diversity in Narmada. Therefore, the abundance of larval host plant species
with rich nectar bearing flowers can predict the species richness in a
particular region of Narmada. The physical parameter particularly sunlight
also plays an important role in diversity and abundance of butterflies e.g. in
dense forest with tall trees there in abundance of shade loving butterflies like
Melanitis leda, Melanitis phedima, Mycalesis perseus, Mycalesis mineus,
Mycalesis malsara, Mycalesis subdita, Lethe rohria, Lethe europa, Lethe
Summary
195
confuse. Grass lands and dry deciduous forest provide ample sunlight and
these two habitats are suitable for rich butterfly diversity.