Abstract
Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013) - May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number of 128 species recorded from the five families; Nymphalidae (46 species) Lycaenidae (28 species), Hesperiidae (22 species), Pieridae (17 species) and Papilionidae (15 species) respectively. During the survey invasive plant species were also recorded. There were 36 species of invasive plants from 18 families identified from the study area. More butterflies were attracted towards nectar offering invasive plants. Chromolaena odorata, Ipomea cairica, Lantana camara, Merremia vitifolia, Mikania micrantha, Mimosa diplotricha, Pennisetumpolystachyon, Pteridium aquilinum, Quisqualis indica and Sphagneticola trilobata were the major invasive plants found in the Pookode region and their flower attracts butterfly for pollination. Even though nectar offered by the plants are supportive for growth, in long run these species can affect butterfly population bydeclining native host larval plant species for butterfly reproduction. Invasive species compete with the native flora and reduce its population. Management practices like physical, chemical and modern bio control measures could be used for eradicating of invasive plants. Wise use of invasive plants for other economical purpose such as bio-fuel, medicinal purpose, bio-pesticide and handicraft could be suggested. Successful management of invasive species are needed for conserving Lepidoptera fauna and other native biota of the area.
Highlights
Arthropods occupy half of earth’s biodiversity (May, 1992) among these, butterflies fascinate the most
Chromolaena odorata, Ipomea cairica, Lantana camara, Merremia vitifolia, Mikania micrantha, Mimosa diplotricha, Pennisetum polystachyon, Pteridium aquilinum, Quisqualis indica and Sphagneticola trilobata were the major invasive plants found in the Pookode region and their flower attracts butterfly for pollination
Many of the species recorded in the region are of conservational importance
Summary
Arthropods occupy half of earth’s biodiversity (May, 1992) among these, butterflies fascinate the most. Their interaction with the ecosystem as pollinators and herbivorous are notable (Tiple et al.., 2006). They are highly sensitive to solar radiation, temperature and variations in micro habits (Thomas et al.., 1998). The Indian subcontinent hosts about 1,504 species of butterflies, and Western Ghat hosts 351species of butterflies (Smetacek, 1992; Gaonkar, 1996; Kunte, 2009; Roy et al, 2010and Tiple, 2011). Showy flowers of invasive species may draw pollinators (Armbruster and Herzig, 1984). This reduces the reproductive capacity of native plants (Brown 2002)
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