Seasonal Diversity and Distribution of Butterflies in G.Venkataswamy Naidu College Campus, Kovilpatti, Tuticorin District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

This study was conducted to prepare a baseline inventory, seasonal population trends and status of butterfly inhabiting the campus of G. Venkataswamy Naidu College, Kovilpatti, Tuticorin. The survey yielded 309 individuals of 48 butterfly species, belonging to the families Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Papilionidae and Hesperiidae. Nymphalidae were found to be the dominant family during all seasons. Species abundance was highest during the northeast monsoon and winter periods. The maximum number of 163 individuals was sampled during the NE monsoons followed by winter 109 individuals and SW Monsoon showed 23 individuals. The summer showed least skewed 15 individuals were recorded. The butterfly species composition and relative abundance belonged to the families Namphalidae (17 Species; 35.42%), Pieridae (11 species; 25.00%), Lycaenidae (7 Species; 14.58%), Papilionidae (8 Species; 16.67%) and Hisperiidae (4 Species; 8.33%). The maximum number of butterfly species and maximum number of individuals were sampled during the monsoons, indicating that, the southern plains area of India butterflies prefer cool seasons for breeding and emergence. Three endemic species like Cepora nerissa, Troides minos and Atrophaneura hector and seven protected species like Euploea core, Cepora nerissa, Appias albino, Castalius rosimon, Euchrysops cnejus, Troides minos and Atrophaneura hector were listed under the Wildlife Protection Act 19720. These species highlighted greater importance of conservation in college campus. A checklist of butterfly species is also provided. The observation will support the detailed study of ecologically important local butterfly fauna of the college campus in Kovilpatti which provide a valuable resource to nature.