Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2018; 6(3): 320-329

E-ISSN: 2320-7078 P-ISSN: 2349-6800 Status of species in Pallassena village, JEZS 2018; 6(3): 320-329 © 2018 JEZS district, Received: 17-03-2018 Accepted: 18-04-2018

N Narmadha N Narmadha and Dr. K Varunprasath PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Abstract are one of the most important assemblages of that act as biodiversity indicators as well Dr. K Varunprasath as nature’s gardeners. The current survey was carried out to document the butterfly species diversity Assistant Professor, M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D PSG College of along with abundance in Pallassana Village, , Kerala from September 2017 to January Arts and Science, Coimbatore, 2018. A total of 303 individuals with 57 varieties, under five families of butterflies were recorded. Tamil Nadu, India Among the families, consist of 27 species followed by Pieridae 12 species, Papilionidae 10 species, Lycanidae 7 species and one Hesperiidae species were observed. Among these families maximum abundance in Herbs and shrubs habitat with 29 species followed by grassland includes 17 species, agricultural with 9 species. Based on the IUCN list, 26 common species, 16 very common, 12 uncommon species and one rare species were recorded. According to monthly wise abundance, maximum of 80 species in the month of January where as 4 species in September were observed during the study.

Keywords: Butterflies, abundance, distribution, diversity indices, Pallassana village

1. Introduction Butterflies are day flyer and a colourful belonging to the Order . These insects plays an important role in ecosystem as pollinator in food chain as herbivores [1]. 18, 000 butterfly species around the world. Butterflies respond to trouble and alter in habitat [2] and act as an environmental pointer . Environmental variations and changes in the forest composition are severely affected for butterflies because butterflies are directly dependent on flora [3-4]. Migration or local extinction of butterflies purely based on minor changes in habitat alteration [4-6]. Butterfly diversity might be reflecting the overall floral variety in the certain region because of their floral association [7]. Butterflies mixture ultimately reflects overall [8] plant range specially herbs and shrubs in the region . [9] More than half of the world’s known species are insects in which Lepidoptera is the second largest and the most diverse order in the class Insecta [10]. [11] Documented 19238 species of butterflies in the world. Later, [12] reported 1504 species in Indian subcontinent. [13] Reported about 177 species of butterflies in Central Provinces [14]. Recorded a total of 167

species of 90 genera from Vidarbha region. In India, out of 1,501 butterfly varieties, 521 Brush-footed butterflies, 443 Blues, 321 are Skippers, 109 Whites and Yellows and 107 Swallowtails [15]. Butterfly species are firmly seasonal and favour only a particular set of habitats [16]. Butterflies are fine indicators in terms of anthropogenic interruption and habitat excellence [17]. Out of 18,000 known butterfly species of world, in Indian subcontinent alone [18-19] th identified around 1500 butterfly species which contain 8.33% . In India, during 19 [12] century the pioneering work in butterfly studies started . 330 butterfly species present in Western Ghats and 48 species are endemic to Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR). Out of 1,501 species of butterflies in India, 334 varieties were reported from the Western Ghats and 37 species are endemic to the Western Ghats [20-21]. In Western Ghats has 334 varieties of [22] butterflies and 316 species reported from Kerala . In Kerala state the documentation of [23-29] butterfly species done by several researchers . The Western Ghats of India is under threat due to deforestation and one of the hotspots regions Correspondence [30]. Biodiversity mostly affected by habitat destruction and deterioration feature [31]. Increased Dr. K Varunprasath city quality along with road and rail network, buildings leads correspond with decreases in Assistant Professor, M.Sc, [32-35] M.Phil, Ph.D PSG College of butterfly species richness, variety and abundance . Habitat degradation as well as Arts and Science, Coimbatore, decreased floral species diversity, reduced water quality and increased air and soil pollutions Tamil Nadu, India due to urbanization development [36-40]. Use of heavy machinery and increased input of ~ 320 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

insecticides, pesticides and herbicides [41] of these, chemical 2. Materials and Methods pesticides potentially affect development of butterfly larva 2.1 Study Area and nectar producing which adversely affect adult butterfly diversity. Developments of agriculture field in forest ecosystem endanger many species throughout the world [42].

Fig 1: Showing the Satellite map of Pallassana village, Palakkad district, Kerala (Scale-100 feet, 50 meter)

Kerala, traditionally identified as Keralam, is an Indian state in IUCN (2015) was followed. The transects surveyed of in . Palakkad is one of 14 districts of the state of existing Garden, Agriculture area, Shrubs and herbs, Kerala in Southern India. Palakkad has a dry climate with the Grassland areas. Typical and unique features of the wings, moderate temperature exception in March and April and abdomen and pattern of coloration of all body parts were annual rainfall is around 83 inches (211 cm). The summers noted down. Sketches were made accordingly using pencils are much rainier than the winters in Palakkad. The average and marked the pattern of colour patches and print annual temperature in Palakkad is 27.8 °C. In a year, the distribution. Butterflies were photographed by (Sony W520) average rainfall is 2135 mm. Plains, Mountains, Backwaters, camera, from different angles to enable positive identification Forests, Farm lands and including Parambikulam Wildlife of species. Descriptions, photographs and drawings were Sanctuary and Silent Valley National Park make up the compared with literature and the species were identified based topography of the district. In Silent Valley National Park, 128 on the collected data and available reference, both printed and butterfly varieties and 400 species of moths found inside the electronic. Identification of species was confirmed with the national park under situated this district. In Parambikulam help of the field guides [21] and nomenclature has Wildlife Sanctuary, 39 species of mammals, 280 species of been updated. Vegetations of each site and sub site were birds, 61 species of reptiles, 47 species of fishes and keenly observed and relevant data were recorded enumerable number of butterflies and insects are sharing this eco system. Pallassana Village present in Block in 2.3 Measurement of Diversity Palakkad District and belongs to Central Kerala Division. In Relative dominance index of the butterfly species was this village, the temperature remains moderate throughout the calculated by year, the annual rainfall around 2,135 millimetres and receive Dominance index (%) = Number of individuals of one species South-West Monsoon. The forest covers an area of 13, 6,257 (n) X 100/Number of individuals of all species (N). hectare which is 25% of the total geographical area, mainly Simpson’s Index is a measure of diversity; it takes into over the north eastern of the district. The village has a account the number of species present, as well as the Gardens, Trees as well as Wild plants. The major Garden abundance of each species. plants are Ixora (Ixora alversia), Hibiscus (Hibiscus syricua), D = Σn (n-1)/ N (N-1) Catharanthus roses etc. Trees include Palms, Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Mango trees (Manifera indica) and Jack trees. Where, D-Simpson’s index n-The number of individuals of each different species 2.2 Methodology N-The total number of individuals of all species. The survey was carried out from September 2017 to January 2018 (morning 6.00 am till 7.00 p.m) Pallassana Village, Shannon Weaver index is used to characterize species Palakkad district. The survey of butterflies was undertaken diversity and abundance in a community. Shannon-Wiener along five different transects. The butterflies were recorded index (H’) is given as follows using standard transect counting method [43], counted while H’= - Σ Pi ln (Pi), walking along the selected transect route of 1 km, in each Where, H’-the Shannon’s index, Pi-the proportion of habitat. The nomenclature used in the check list of Butterflies individuals in the i th species, ln-natural log. ~ 321 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

3. Result 3.1 Table Showing the Status of Butterflies in Pallassena Village, Palakkad District, Kerala.

Common name Scientific name Habitat and host plant Family name-Nymphalidae Glassy blue tiger* Parantica aglea GI, Calotropis sp. Ceropegia sp. Cryptolepis buchanani, Tylophora indica, T. tenuis GIII, Barleria spp, , Justicia neesii, J. procumbens, Arrowleaf Lemon pansy* lemonias Sida Sida rhombifolia, Corchorus capsularis. GIII, Asclepias currassavica, Ceropegia sp. Cynanchum sp., Marsdenia roylei, Striped tiger* Danus genita Stepahnotis sp. Tylophora tenuis. GIII, Adenia hondala, Modecca palmata, Passiflora edulis, P. foetida, P. subpeltata, Tawny coster* Acraea tersicore Hybanthus enneaspermus, Turnera ulmifolia. GIII,Calotropis gigantea, C. procera, Cynanchum sp., Frerea indica, Tylophora sp, Plain tiger* Danus chrysippus Ficus racemosa etc. GIII, Carvia callosa (Syn. callosa), Hygrophila auriculata, Justicia neesii, Chocolate pansy** Junonia iphita Lepidagathis prostrata. GII, Asclepias currassavica, Calotropis procera, Heterostemma sp., Hoya viridiflora, Blue tiger** Tirumala limnaceae Tylophora indica, Wattakaka volubilis Yellow pansy** Junonia hierta GIII, Barleria spp. (B. cristata), Hygrophila auriculata, Bell Weed Ruellia prostrata. GII, Grass spp. including rice (), , , Eleusine spp., and Common evening brown** leda millets such as compositus, spp. Dark evening brown*** GIII, Microstegium ciliatum, palmifolia. Great evening brown*** Melanitis zitenus GIII, Data deficient. Common bush brown* Mycalesia perseus GIII, Rice sps. Dark banded bush brown* Mycalesia mineus GIII, Oryza spp. and grass spp. GIII, Cashew tree Anacardium occidentale, Mango Mangifera indica, Bryonia spp. Common baron* Euthalia aconthae Streblus asper. Joker*** Byblia ilithiya GII, Indian Stinging Nettle Tragia involvucrata, T. plukenetii. Danaid egg fly* Hypolimnas misippus GIII, Common Purslane Portulaca oleracea, Asystasia lawiana. GII, Abutilon sp. Hibiscus sp. Arrowleaf Sida Sida rhombifolia, Common Purslane Great egg fly* Hypolimnas bolina Portulaca oleracea, Elatostemma cuneatum. GII, Hygrophila auriculata, , Lepidagathis prostrata, Nelsonia Blue pansy* Junonia orithiya campestris, Shame plant Mimosa pudica. Dark blue tiger** Tirumala septentrionis GI, Vallaris dichotoma, V. heyneii, Cosmostigma racemosa, and Wattakaka volubilis. Common four ring** huebneri GIII, , Grass spp. Common castor*** Ariande merione GIII, Ricinus communis, Indian Stinging Nettle Tragia involvucrata, T. plukeneti. GI, Nerium indicum, Calotropis gigantea, Hemidesmus indicus, Tylophora indica, Ficus Commnon crow** Euploea core sp., Streblus asper, Figs. GIII, Dalbergia sp. Pongamia glabra, Xylia dolabriformis, Bombax malabaricum, Common sailor* Neptis hylas Thespesia populnea, Zizyphus sp. Short banded sailor*** Phaedyma columella GIII, Dalbergia spp., Pterocarpus sp. Common palm fly* hypermnestra GIII, Cocos nucifera, Calamus pseudo tenius, Calamus rotang, Calamus thwaitesii. Niligiri blue tiger*** Parantica niligirensis GI, Tylophora tenuis and T. indica. Anomalous nawab* Polura agrarian GIII, Data deficient. Family name-Papilionidae Crimson rose* Atrophaneura hector GI, Aristolochia indica, A. bracteolata, and Thottea siliquosa. GI, Aristolochia bracteolate, A. indica, A. tagala, A. griffithi, A. elegans, Thottea Common mormon** Papilio polytes siliquosa. GI, Aristolochia bracteolate, A. indica, A. tagala, A. griffithi, A. elegans, Thottea Common mormon** Papilio Romulus siliquosa. GIII, Aristolochia bracteolate, A. indica, A. tagala, A. griffithi, A. elegans, Thottea Common mormon** Papilio stichius siliquosa. GII, Cinnamomum macrocarpum, Magnolia grandiflora, Michelia champaca, Milliusa Common jay*** Graphium doson tomentosum and Polyalthia longifolia. GI, Lime, orange and lemons. C. aurantifolia, C. sinensis, Atalanta racemosa, Glycosmis Tailed jay*** Graphium Agamemnon arborea, Curry Tree Murraya koenigii. GIII, Glycosmis pentaphylla, Cultivated lime, C. grandis, orange and lemons. C. Lime butterfly** Papilio demoleus Aurantifolia, C. sinensis, Atalanta racemosa, C. limo. GII, Glycosmis arborea, and Citrus grandis, Atalantia wightii, Paramigyna monophylla, Blue mormon* Papilio polymnestor Citrus limon. Atalantia racemosa. Atrophaneura GII, Aristolochia bracteolate, A. indica, A. tagala, A. griffithi, A. elegans, Thottea Common rose** dristolochiae siliquosa. Citrus swallow tail*** Papilio demoleus GIII, Anacardiaceae,Apiaceae,Rutacea,Sapindaceae, Family name-Pieridae GII, Cassia spp. (e.g. C. fistula, C. auriculata, C. occidentalis, C. tora), Sesbania Mottled emigrant** Catopsilia pyranthe bispinosa. GII, Species of Cassia. Other host plants include Palash or Flame of the Forest Butea Common emigrant** Catopsilia Pomona monosperma, Cassia fistula. Small grass yellow * Eurema brigitta GII, Cassia cleinii, Smithia sensitiva, Chamaecrista mimosoides. Common grass yellow* Eurema hecaba GII, Abrus precatorius, Aeschynomene spp. (A. americana, A. indica), Calliandra ~ 322 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

haematocephala, Senna alata. Common jezebel* Delias eucharis GI, Dendrophthoe falcata, Helicanthes elastica, Scurrula parasitica, Viscum spp. Cabbage butterfly* Pieris rapae GIII, Nasturtium spp., Rorippa dubia, Sisymbrium sp., Cabbage and related species. GIII, Cleome viscosa, Capers e.g. Capparis zeylanica, C. rheedii, C. sepiaria, C. Psyche** Leptosia nina spinosa, Crataeva adansonii. Common wanderer* Pareronia valeria GIII, Capparis heyneana. GII, Capparidaceae,the Indian caper,Capparis divaricata,Macruna oblongifolia, Crimson tip* Colotis danae Cadaba fructicosa. Lemon emigrant** Catopsilia crocale GIII, ndian laburnum, Kassod tree, Flame of the forest,Bauhinia racemosa. Family name- GII, Saraca asoka, Abrus precatorius, Butea monosperma, Phaseolus adenanthus, Common cerulean* Jamides celeno Pongamia pinnata, Xylia xylocarpa. Samll cupid*** Chilades parrhasius GIII, Bell Mimosa Dichrostachys cinerea. Common silver line*** Spindasis vulcanus GII, Jamides celeno GII, dalbergioides, Cylista scariosa, elegans, cultivated legumes, Forgot me not* Strabo trijuga. Common pierrot* Castalius rosimon GIII, Ziziphus jujuba, Z. mauritiana, Z. rugosa. Malayan* Megisba Malaya GIII, Allophyllus cobbe, Kumkum tree Mallotus philippensis. Pea blue**** Lampides boeticus GIII, Fabacea species like Medicago, Crotalaria, Polygala, Dolichus, Cytisus. Family name-Hesperiidae Samall branded swift*** Pelopidas mathias GII Axonopus compressus, Grass spp. Common*, Very common**, Uncommon ***, Rare **** Group I (GI)-Agriculture field, Group II (GII)-Grassland, Group III (GIII)-Herbs & shrubs

The family-wise composition of butterfly species at Palakkad 18.1% of butterflies(Atrophaneura hector, Papilio polytes, district was recorded. Fifty five butterfly varieties under five Papilio Romulus, Papilio stichius, Graphium doson, families including three different habitats surveyed. Famliy Graghium Agamemnon, Papilio demoleus, Papilio Nymphalidae with maximum of (n=27) species consist of polymnestor, Atrophaneura dristolochiae, Papilio demoleus), 49%, including Parantica aglea, Junonia lemonias, Danus family Pieridae with (n=10) species consist of 18.1% genita, Acraea tersicore, Danus chrysippus,Junonia iphita, (Catopsilia pyranthe, Catopsilia Pomona, Eurema brigitta, Tirumala limnaceae, Junonia hierta, , Melanitis Eurema hecaba, Delias eucharis, Pieris rapae, Leptosia nina, phedima, Melanitis zitenus, Mycalesia perseus, Mycalesia Pareronia valeria, Colotis danae, Catopsilia crocale), mineus, Euthalia aconthae, Byblia ilithiya, Hypolimnas Lycaenidae with (n= 7) species consist of 12.7% including misippus, Hypolimnas bolina, Junonia orithiya, Tirumala Jamides celeno, Chilades parrhasius, Spindasis vulcanus, septentrionis, Ypthima huebneri, Ariande merione, Euploea , Castalius rosimon, Megisba Malaya, core,Neptis hylas, Phaedyma columella, Elymnias Lampides boeticus and found to be minimum in Hesperidae hypermnestra, Parantica niligirensis, Polura agrarian with (n=1) species consist of 2% of Pelopidas mathias were followed by Papilionidae with (n=10) species consist of recorded.

Table 2: Diversity Indices of Butterfly Species in Five Different Habitats

Habitat Shannon index Simpson index Dominance Index Margalef index Pielouf index Agricultural field 0.964 2.455 16.363 56.589 0.5544 Grassland 1.498 4.188 30.909 43.886 0.8611 Shrubs& Herbs 1.077 2.304 52.727 36.925 0.6189

The values of Pielouf’s index indicate that there is an equal minimum number,(n=9, AM: 3.000, SD: 1.732, SE: 1.000, df: distribution of the species in all five different habitats and 2) which consist of 16.36% were observed during the study. even with high value in Grassland habitat with (0.8611) Fifty five species of butterflies were categorized under IUCN Agricultural field and shrubs habitat shows the lowest value status. Among butterflies, the one Rare species was found to of Pielouf index ranges from (0.5544 to 0.6189) and it is not be the lowest (n=1) which consist of 1.81%, The Uncommon possible to identify a dominant habitat ranges. In Grassland species (n=12) which consist of 21.81% The Very common habitat the Shannon index value was the highest represents species (n=16) which was 29.09% The Common species (1.498) and lowest in Argicultural field with (0.964). The found to be the maximum (n=26) which consist of 47.27% Grassland habitat shows the highest value of Simpson index were recorded during the present study. with (4.188) and lowest value was found to be in Shrubs and The monthly-wise abundance of butterfly species was herbs habitat with (2.304). Margalef index presents high value recorded. During the survey 293 individuals belonging to 5 in Agricultural field presenting (56.589) and low in herbs and families were observed. The study observed that maximum shrubs habitat with (36.925), thus indicating possible numbers of butterfly species in the month of January (n=80, differences in species richness among habitats. The AM: 5.71, SD:6.069,SE: 1.622, df: 13) which consist of dominance index with highest values in Shrubs and herbs 27.30%, followed by December (n=76, AM:2.45, SD:1.912, with (52.727) and found to be lowest in Agricultural field SE: 0.343, df:30) which consist of 25.93%, November (n=70, with (16.363). The present study recorded maximum butterfly AM: 4.61, SD:3.309, SE:0.854, df: 14) which consist of species in Herbs and Shrubs (n=29, AM: 7.25, 23.89%, October (n=63, AM:4.50, SD:3.459, SE:0.924, SD:7.182,SE:3.591, df:3) which consist of 52.72%, followed df:13) which consist of 21.50% and lowest digit of butterflies by grassland (n=17 AM: 3.40, SD: 1.673, SE: 0.748, df:4), observed in September (n=4, AM:1.00) which consist of which consist of 30.90%, Agricultural field shows the 1.26% were recorded during the study. The study observed

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maximum numbers of butterflies belonging to the family area recorded 55 species of butterflies, were categorized into Pieridae followed by Papilionidae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae Rare with 1 species, and followed by Uncommon with 12 and Hesperridae. Lemon emigrant (Catopsilia crocale) species, Very common 16 species and Common with 26 belonging to Pieridae family was most dominant species species [52]. Reported the percentage of butterfly status of followed by Common crow (Euploea core), Common presence or absence were Common (C), Very common (VC), emigrant (Catopsilia Pomona) and minimum numbers of Uncommon (UC), Rare (R) [53]. Had recorded 46 species of butterflies like Bright babial blue (Papilio ulysses), Malayan butterflies throughout Chennai city including Guindy National (Megisba malaya) were observed during the study. The park, [29] recorded that 79 butterfly species into 3 categories. present study also documented the butterfly with the host Rare with 3 species, Uncommon 27 species and Common 49 plant species. The study area was dominated by plant species species. belonging to the families Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, The study area recorded maximum abundance of butterflies in , Malvaceae, , Rubiaceae, Urticaceae, the month of January with 80 species followed by December, Tiliceae, Euphorbiaceae, Passifloraceae, , includes November, and less butterfly species found in September Ficus sp, Calotropis sp, Tridax sp, Polyalthia longifolia, month which constitute of 4 species. Lemon emigrant Cassia fistula, Tabernaemontana sp, Alstonia scholaris, Ixora (Catopsilia crocale) belonging to Pieridae family was most sp, Lantana camara, Cleome viscose, Aegle sp, Citrus sp, dominant species followed by Common crow(Euploea core), Terminalia arjuna, Murraya sp, Pisidium guajava, Areca Common emigrant(Catopsilia Pomona) and minimum catechu, Cocos nucifera, Mangifera indica, Hibiscus sp, numbers of butterflies like Bright babial blue (Papilio Zizyphus jujuba, Justicia sp, Sida sp, Nerium sp, Mussaenda ulysses), Malayan (Megisba malaya) were observed during frondosa, Cosmos sp, Zinnia sp, Bougainvillea sp and grasses. the study. Diversity and abundance of butterflies correlate with the flowering phenology of plants [54-55, 21]. The 4. Discussion abundance of butterfly diversity in different ecosystem is [29] reported that overall 79 species of butterflies belongs to directly proportional to the type and variety of flowers and five families including family Nymphalidae with Maximum number of plants in a particular area. Study revealed that of 40 species followed by Lycanidae 13 varieties, family Nymphalidae, Papilionidae and Pieridae species Papilionidae 9 species, 7 Hesperidae species under the five highest during October to January due to availability of different habitats like Grassland, Herbs and shrubs, Pond, highest nectar during the season. Butterflies are common for Agrifield and Garden field. We observed 55 species of only a few months and rare or absent in other parts of the butterflies belonging to five different families. The family year. Butterflies are sensitive to the changes in the habitat and Nymphalidae was found to maximum with 27 species, climate, which influence their distribution and abundance [56]. followed by Papilionidae 10 species, Pieridae 10 species, Habitat destruction, degradation, fragmentation, grazing, Lycanidae 7 species and one Hesperiidae species during the forest fires and application of pesticides affect the population study in Pallassana village, Palakkad district. The family of butterflies. In urban areas, many species of butterflies Nymphalidae (Brush-footed) outnumbered with maximum depends on remnant vegetation or secondary forest for their species, this is because of their ecological adaptation [45], survival [57-58]. Mostly all wildlife faunal species are fast speciation and high dispersal ability [46]. This is because their disappearing due to decrease greenery areas and increase of polyphagous nature which helps them to inhabit in all habit. pollution. This ecosystem destruction directly affects the Their dominance is also because of their active flying nature destruction of butterfly diversity in that area [59-60]. Abundance and they can search a large area of resources [47]. The study of butterflies usually indicates a healthier ecosystem. area documented maximum butterfly species in the family Butterflies also serve as major pollinators of both wild and Nymphalidae in herbs and shrubs habitat with 29 species, cultivated plants. Although we cannot completely nullify the followed by the habitat Grassland 17 species and Agricultural ill effects of urbanization and development, we can at least try field 9 species [29]. reported that overall 79 species of to reduce them by planting endemic trees and plants butterflies belonging to 5 different families and 5 different supporting the local wildlife. This will make sure that at least habitats like Grassland, Trees & shrubs, Pond, Agrifield, the common species will not go on to the verge of extinction. Garden field. The butterfly diversity and abundance is highly correlated with the availability of food plants and assemblage 5. Conclusion of plant varieties in the habitat [21] (Kunte, 2000). Due to lack of suitable management, unsustainable utilization The present study area is dominated by plant species of natural resources, deforestation and urbanization, belonging to families Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, uncontrolled use of pesticides, in-organic manures, Malvaceae, Acanthaceae, Rubiaceae etc. namely Ficus sp, environmental pollution leads to the destruction of host plant Calotropis sp, Tridax sp, Polyalthia longifolia, Cassia fistula, might be adversely affect the existence of both insects and Tabernaemontana sp, Alstonia scholaris, Ixora sp, Lantana floral diversity of the area. By planting endemic trees and camara, Cleome viscosa, Aegle sp, Citrus sp, Terminalia plants supporting the local wildlife which will make at least arjuna, Murraya sp, Psidiu.m guajava, Areca catechu, Cocos the common species will not go on to the verge of extinction. nucifera, Mangifera indica, Hibiscus sp, Zizyphus jujuba, In addition, further research will be needed for documentation Justicia sp, Sida sp, Nerium sp, Mussaenda frondosa, Cosmos of butterfly species which gives future conservation of sp, Zinnia sp, Bougainvillea sp and grasses. Floral preference butterflies in Kerala. in polinatiors may vary from species to species. The abundance of butterfly species population depends on the 6. Acknowledgement availability of positive tropical climate and topographic I thank Ms. R. Laksmipriya and Ms. Adhira. S for helping me features of the regions [48-50]. The butterfly diversity correlates to identify the butterfly species. with the larval host plants and adult nectar plants. Factors like predators, parasites and rainfall are major cause of influence on butterfly abundance in particular habitat [51]. The study

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7. Figure 7.1 Plate

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 00 0

13 14 15 16

1. Glassy blue tiger 2. Lemon pansy 3. Striped tiger 4. Tawny coaster4 5. Plain tiger 6. Chocolate pansy 7. Blue tiger 8. Yellow pansy 9. Common evening brown 10. Dark evening brown 11. Great evening brown 12. Common bush brown 13. Dark banded bush brown 14. Common baron 15. Joker 16. Danaid egg fly.

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7.2 Plate

17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24

25 26 29 28

29 30 31 32

17. Great egg fly 18. Blue pansy 19. Dark blue tiger 20. Common four ring 21. Common castor 22. Common crow 23. Common sailor 24. Short banded sailor 25. Common palm fly 26. Niligiri blue tiger 27. Anomalous nawab 28. Crimson rose 29. Common Mormon 30. Common Mormon 31. Common Mormon 32. Common jay.

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7.3 Plate

33 34 35 36

37 38 39 40

41 42 43 44

45 46 47 48

33. Tailed jay 34. Lime butterfly 35. Blue mormon 36. Common rose 37. Citrus swallow tail 38. Mottled emigrant 39. Common emigrant 40. Small grass yellow 41. Common grass yellow 42. Common jezebel 43. Cabbage butterfly 44. Psyche 45. Common wanderer 46. Crimson tip 47. Lemon emigrant 48.Common cerulean

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7.4 Plate

49 50 51 52

53 54 55

49. Small cupid 50. Common silver line 51. Forgot me not 52. Common pier rot 53. Malayan 54. Pea blue 55. Pea blue.

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